Bretzelsonndeg – Pretzel Sunday

In Luxembourg, even pretzels have a sacred significance. The puff pastry pretzel with fondant frosting is a Luxembourg specialty. Pretzel Sunday or Bretzelsonndeg is a component of the Lent tradition of eating largely fruit and fish for 40 days. The pretzel was a bread that was frequently produced as a sign of Lent, with its shape resembling crossed arms in prayer.

Nowadays, sweet frosting dipped in almond flakes, glazed with a sticky sweetness, or dusted in salt crystals are used to make pretzels in Luxembourg. In Luxembourg City, the Pretzel Sunday Procession features pastry chefs and a Pretzel Queen who walk around dishing out free pretzels. This day also has a humorous custom associated with it. On this day, a man gives his sweetheart a pretzel. He is allowed to come over to her house on Easter Day if she accepts. If he does not, a basket of bread will be sent to him.

When: March

Where: Luxembourg city