While most people in the crowds credited the Grand Duke of Luxembourg for preferring to celebrate his birthday in the summer instead of the unpleasant winter months, the national holiday was actually moved to 23 June under Grand Duchess Charlotte’s reign and has remained like that ever since. This has allowed for the now traditional Duke’s Night (national day eve) festivities to develop and take place outdoors in the city.

Though it was not much warmer than on some winter days for this year’s celebration, the cheerfulness of a fun night out seemed to warm everyone up.

Or did it? Not everyone seemed to be convinced. George from Greece, who has been living here for two and a half years, told Delano that: “It’s good living in Luxembourg, but it is never fun”. However, one of his friends quickly jumped in to say she thinks: “This is something different, very fascinating, and fun”. This appears to be the more general feeling towards what seems like the perpetual question, can Luxembourg be fun?

Duke’s Night (National Day Eve) celebrations in Luxembourg City, 22 June 2018. Photo: Matic Zorman

Cheerful Alison from Florida, who came to live here with her husband, asserted that it is a big misconception that Luxembourg is boring: “It’s not at all the case! You just have to explore. The best thing is that most people here do speak English so there’s no fear, you go out and you have a great time!”

And while some were afraid that revealing their favourite spot from which to watch the renowned firework show would mean Delano readers would come to flood it, Torge, who’s moved here from Germany and is gladly surprised to love living in Luxembourg, told us to get a coveted spot by the Gëlle Fra. Or, for another perspective, a few suggested heading down to the Pfaffenthal for a calmer experience.

While Duke’s Night is one of the great ways of integrating in Luxembourg and meeting new people, according to expats, they also advise a general openness to experiences and desire to find them all throughout the year. “Don’t be afraid to talk to locals, they may seem grumpy but they are nice!” recommended Daniel, who moved here in his childhood and is now Scottish and Luxembourger.

Revellers celebrate Duke’s Night in Luxembourg City, 22 June 2018. Photo: Matic Zorman

Americans Chelsea and Michael, who’ve moved here two months ago, advised fellow expats to: “Say yes to everything, you’ll meet some people, you’ll meet people through these people and it’s the best way to get involved!”.

Haoyang from China also added that learning a bit of French wouldn’t hurt to “know new people and get used to life here”. A good thought to keep in mind formulated by Murphy from the US is that: “Everyone in Luxembourg is new to Luxembourg, so just find the people.”

At the end of the day it seems that, like other things, living in Luxembourg is just a question of attitude which is confirmed by Daniel who, when asked whether this is only one fun night or one among many in Luxembourg, answered without a moment’s hesitation: “One among many”.