LUXEMBOURG
COUNTRY #15
ROBERT
About Hämmelsmarsch
The Hämmelsmarsch, or march of the sheep, is a unique tradition that has been going on in Luxembourg for centuries. Local music groups parade through the streets playing the distinctive melody, inviting their fellow townspeople to join them for the festivities at the annual fair. Traditionally sheep would march alongside the band (hence the name) as an incentive for the audience to follow them to the fair. Back in the day, the sheep served as prizes for the fair’s many games and the march was meant as a way to excite the public into participating in the events. Today, the sheep rarely join the musicians and the event is used as a way for the band to fundraise. In the capital there is a bronze sculpture by Wil Lofy depicting a music band. There are men playing the accordion, horn, drum, and a tuba with sheep at their feet.
About Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small country located in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, France to the south, and Germany to the east. The country has a population of just over 600,000 people, making it one of the smallest countries in Europe. The first recorded inhabitants of the region were the Celts, who settled in the area around 300 BC. In later centuries, the area was occupied by the Romans and then the Franks. In 963 AD, Luxembourg was founded as a county under the Holy Roman Empire. Over the centuries, it changed hands several times, passing between France, Spain, and Austria. In 1815, Luxembourg became part of the German Confederation. However, after Germany's defeat in World War I, Luxembourg was placed under the control of the League of Nations. Following World War II, it became a founding member of both the United Nations and NATO. The nation’s economy is largely based on finance and manufacturing, and the country has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. Thanks to its stable political environment and strong economy, Luxembourg is often considered one of the best places to live in Europe.
TRAVELOGUE
Chapter 15: Luxembourg
Learn more about how I met Robert on a last minute stop in Luxembourg.