The kids will walk the streets with lanterns to chase evil spirits away LaLa La Photo

The kids will walk the streets with lanterns to chase evil spirits away LaLa La Photo

The police have issued a statement which alerts drivers to watch out for children, especially when they walk around in big groups, in towns and villages. Parents and children have also been advised to watch out when they cross the street.

The old tradition of Liichtmëssdag (Candlemas day) on 2 February is celebrated in Luxembourg by children going from house to house with their lanterns and asking for sweets.

The kids sing one or two songs to residents, who then offer sweets in return. The song most traditionally associated with Liichtmëssdag has the opening lines: “Léiwer Herrgottsblieschen, gëff eis Speck an Ierbessen, een Pond, zwee Pond, dat anert Joer da gidd der gesond, da gidd der gesond” (Dear God, give us bacon and peas, one pound, two pounds, next year you will be healthy, you will be healthy). But nowadays kids have learned other, more modern songs.