Saint Barbara, a tradition of the Minett Biosphere

Every year at the beginning of December, the Minett Biosphere region in Luxembourg comes alive to celebrate Saint Barbara, a vibrant tribute to its rich mining past. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners, firefighters, and all those who work with fire and powder.

This tradition, which dates back to the 1890s, is much more than a simple commemoration; it is a symbol of courage and a living link to the history and identity of the region. December 4th is a day of remembrance in honor of all victims of the mines. From 1881 to 1981, 1,551 miners lost their lives in Luxembourg.

The Saint Barbara celebrations, registered on UNESCO’s national inventory of intangible cultural heritage since 2022, take place in several localities in the region, each with its own program of festivities. Here is an overview of the events planned for 2025.

Saint Barbara’s Feast

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Pétange: The festivities will begin at 4:30 PM with a gathering at the Hary Godefroid park in Rodange, followed by a torchlight procession, a mass at the church of Rodange at 5:00 PM, and a reception at the Rodange Cultural Center at 6:00 PM. A shuttle will be available for the return trip.

Esch-sur-Alzette: The Entente Mine Cockerill Site Kazebierg Esch/Uelzecht is organizing a celebration starting at 3:00 PM, with a procession leaving from the “Heintzebierg” gallery, a tribute to the saint, speeches, and a reception. Registration via mail is mandatory before Monday, November 24.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Differdange: In Lasauvage, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 7:00 PM at the Miners’ Monument, followed by a procession, a mass at the “Poppespënnchen” hall at 7:30 PM, and a reception in the Doihl mining gallery. A free shuttle service will be provided.

Dudelange: Starting at 6:00 PM, a procession will leave from the “Porte d’Italie” towards Neischmelz, with stops and mine blasts. The evening will continue with speeches, exhibitions, and a friendship drink.

Esch-sur-Alzette: The City of Esch will pay tribute to Saint Barbara with mortar salutes at 11:00 AM, followed by a wreath-laying at the War Memorial, a procession, and a reception at the Town Hall.

Tétange: The Sainte Barbe Tétange Committee, whose tradition is inscribed on UNESCO’s national intangible cultural heritage list, is organizing a full day of celebration. The program begins at 9:45 AM with a procession, followed by a solemn mass at 10:30 AM and a reception. In the evening, starting at 6:30 PM, a documentary screening and a popular festival will be held at the Schungfabrik. Registration for the festival is free but mandatory before November 27 at 12:00 PM, specifying dietary preferences (meat or vegetarian).

Rumelange: A full day of celebrations is organized by the City of Rumelange at the Cultural Center.

Friday, December 5, 2025

Esch-sur-Alzette: A “GREAT SAINT BARBARA’S EVENING” will be held at the Kulturfabrik starting at 5:00 PM, with a night market, creative workshops, musical performances, a brass band, and many other surprises.

Feast of St. Eloi

A little less known, but also very important for preserving the memory of the Minett UNESCO Biosphere’s steel industry past, is the Feast of St. Eloi.

On Monday, December 1, 2025, in honor of the patron saint of metallurgists, the Amicale des Hauts Fourneaux and ArcelorMittal Luxembourg invite you to the 17th edition of the Feast of St. Eloi.

The celebrations will begin at 5:30 PM with a gathering at Place de l’Université in Belval, followed by a wreath-laying, a procession to the Halle des Poches à Fonte, speeches, and the screening of a short film about “Blast Furnace C,” which was the largest blast furnace ever operated in the Grand Duchy. A reception and a meal will be offered. Marcel Bouschet’s photographic exhibition at the Möllerei will be exceptionally open to the public.

The celebrations of St. Eloi and St. Barbara are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Minett Biosphere. Do not hesitate to join the festivities to discover and share this living cultural heritage.