The annual high points of Luxembourg culture are the Oktav, the Revue and the Fouer, says a local comic. And in a way, he’s right. Three times a year, custom compels Luxembourgers from the country to go on a pilgrimage to their capital: to the Octave, for eight days of prayer dedicated to Our Lady, Consolatrix Afflictorum; to the Revue, a satirical revue of the political year; and to the Schueberfouer, or Fouer, a funfair during several weeks. Take a closer look, and it’s clear that most holidays have developed out of the country’s religious tradition.
Officially name: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Capital: Luxembourg
Largest city: Luxembourg
Official language: Luxembourgish, French, German
Government: Unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
Luxembourg has a number of minor rivers, such as the Eisch, the Alzette, and the Pétrusse, but the main river is the Moselle with its tributaries-the Sûre and the Our. Together, their courses serve as a natural boundary between Luxembourg and Germany. Along their banks, many of the country's medieval castles can be found.