The Festival of Migrations, Cultures, and Citizenship – a long-standing tradition in Luxembourg – brings together associations, artists, and visitors from around the world.
Taking place this weekend at Luxexpo, the event features cooking, music, and dancing. From Portuguese specialities and African music to Eastern European art, the country’s diversity is on full display. Yet the festival is more than just food and entertainment. Above all, it serves as a space for exchange.
Festival coordinator Mathieu Viau-Courville explained that the event is now 43 years old. Over the decades, it has grown into a major gathering, attracting 35,000 visitors over two days and featuring more than 400 stalls. These include bands, educational stands, food vendors, and a book fair. According to Viau-Courville, it is one of Luxembourg’s largest events and also ranks among Europe’s major festivals focused on the theme of migration.
Running concurrently is the Book and Cultures Fair, where authors from various countries present their work. Meanwhile, the ArtsManif zone places art centre stage, with painting, installations, and performances – many offering a deeply personal take on identity and culture.
Completely new this year is the Young Maker Space. Viau-Courville explained that young families can follow the main programme across the festival areas while looking for designated Young Maker Space points. There, they will find workshops for children, readings, Japanese calligraphy, and smaller stages featuring children’s shows. The activities offer opportunities to build games, play board games, and more – all centred around “big societal issues” related to migration and cultural diversity, he added.
Numerous associations involved in migrant support, cultural exchange, and social projects use the festival to showcase their work. This, according to organisers, is what makes the event particularly special: it is not only about culture but also about solidarity.
“As we say every year, you genuinely have more than 150 nationalities, so we represent over 250 associations, if you like”, Viau-Courville emphasised. He noted that stalls selling crafts and food allow visitors to discover dishes from across the globe. “It’s a chance to explore the great diversity of Luxembourg over an entire weekend”, he concluded.
The Festival of Migrations thus offers a reflection of Luxembourg’s international character – a place where cultures meet and diversity becomes a shared experience. Doors open on Saturday at 11am, and the festival runs until Sunday evening. More details here.
