At a time when identity-driven politics are gaining ground in neighbouring European countries, Luxembourg is celebrating its diversity away from political tensions. For two days, Luxexpo The Box has become a space for exchange and togetherness.
In neighbouring France and Germany, the term “immigration” has increasingly become controversial. In contrast, Luxembourg continues to embrace the cultural mix that defines its population through a now well-established event: the Festival of Migrations, Cultures, and Civic Engagement, which is taking place this weekend for its 43rd edition.
Organised by the Liaison Committee of Associations of Foreigners (CLAE), the festival brings together more than 400 stands dedicated to information, gastronomy, and crafts, run by associations, institutions, and actors from political, social, and cultural life.
This year’s edition is also the first attended by Grand Duke Guillaume in his role as head of state. He visited the event on Saturday, praising the country’s diversity and drawing crowds eager to take selfies.
The programme includes culture, food, civic engagement, and politics. The festival also provides a platform for advocacy, as illustrated by the Association for Human Rights and Democracy in Iran. Activist Aysan Jodairi Saber explained that the Iranian people aspire to a democracy free from all forms of tyranny, adding that their slogan is “neither Shah nor mullah – democracy and equality”.
Naturally, Luxembourg’s Portuguese community was also represented. Raúl Reis, founder of the online newspaper Bom Dia Luxembourg, presented the book ’60 anos portugueses no Luxemburgo’ – ’60 Portuguese Years in Luxembourg’ –, which brings together testimonies from members of the Portuguese community, compiled by São Gonçalves to mark the 60th anniversary of Portuguese immigration to the Grand Duchy.
Reis explained that the book includes around thirty personal stories, ranging from construction workers to a government minister, reflecting a wide variety of life paths within the community.
In a world often marked by conflict, the Festival of Migrations offers a welcome moment of unity. As one Italian immigrant attending the event put it, accepting diversity is the key to Luxembourg’s success.
Find out more about the Sunday programme here.
