Bretzelsonndeg: love and pretzels in Luxembourg
March 5th, 2024 - 11:30am
Bretzelsonndeg (Pretzel Sunday in Luxembourgish) will be celebrated this year on 10 March. It's an opportunity to taste delicious pretzels. But do you know where this tradition comes from? We tell you all about this not-to-be-missed event in luxemburgish culture and where to find the best pretzels in Luxembourg-City.
The tradition of Bretzelsonndeg in Luxembourg
Bretzelsonndeg is a Luxembourg custom that dates back to the 18th century and is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. According to tradition, this festival of love invites men to offer a pretzel to their beloved as a symbol of their love. If they share these feelings, they will offer an egg in return on Easter Day. If, on the other hand, they are not interested, the man will receive an empty basket.
This tradition has given rise to the expression "De Kuerf kréien", which literally means "Getting a basket" (in other words, getting a rake).
This tradition has a slight variation for leap years such as 2024: the tradition is reversed, and it's up to the women to offer a pretzel to their beloved. They then have the choice of offering an egg or an empty basket in return.
The best addresses for a pretzel in Luxembourg City
As Bretzelsonndeg approaches, the quest for the best pretzels in Luxembourg becomes a crucial issue for fans of this traditional pastry. The Grand Duchy is full of renowned bakeries and patisseries that prepare these twisted delights with passion. In fact, did you know that the shape of the pretzel represents the arms of two people embracing? So let's cut the suspense: here are a few must-try places where you can pick up the best pretzels to celebrate Bretzelsonndeg.
Boulangerie-pâtisserie Kremer
This Luxembourg institution, founded in 1954, is renowned for its traditional recipes and craftsmanship handed down from father to son. You'll find authentic pretzels that will delight even the most demanding palates.
Oberweis
Known for its fine pastries, Oberweis offers an exquisite version of the Luxembourg pretzel. Their interpretation of this traditional delicacy is both elegant and tasty, perfect for celebrating the Bretzelsonndeg in style.
Kaempff-Kohler
This renowned company offers a selection of handmade pretzels that reflect the authenticity of Luxembourg tradition. The quality of the ingredients and the respect for traditional recipes make Kaempff-Kohler an address of choice for pretzel lovers. Whether you're a sweet or savoury team, you'll find what you're looking for.
Au pain de Mary
With its commitment to quality homemade products, Au pain de Mary offers a variety of pretzels that are as beautiful as they are tasty. This bakery and patisserie is a must for lovers of tradition and quality.
Jos Jean Marie
Jos Jean Marie is above all a family story that began in 2002. Push open the door of their bakery. You'll find a multitude of pretzels to satisfy every palate, as well as Fairtrade products for ever more responsible pleasures.
Our pretzel recipe
Ingredients for 8 people
250g butter
1 pinch of salt
500g flour
50g caster sugar
Yeast
13cl warm milk
Vanilla sugar
1 egg
Condensed milk
In a bowl, mix the yeast with the milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Leave to stand for 15 minutes.
Pour the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the centre.
Place the remaining 50g sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, egg and chopped butter on the outer edges of the well. Pour the diluted yeast into the centre of the well.
Knead the mixture for 5 minutes using a mixer fitted with dough hooks, starting at low speed and increasing to high speed.
Reserve a small part of the dough for the decorative motif, then divide the rest into three equal parts.
Shape each part into balls, plait them together and tie them to form pretzels.
Using the reserved dough, shape a flower and leaves.
Brush all the pretzels with condensed milk. Leave to rest for 30 minutes in a warm place. Then preheat your oven to 200°C (gas mark 6) and bake the pretzels for 40 minutes.
Now that you know all the secrets of the Bretzelsonndeg, all you have to do is choose with whom to enjoy this pastry. Before venturing out in search of these delights, remember to check the opening hours of your favourite sales outlet, or even place your orders in advance to be sure of finding what you're looking for.