In 2008 the lovely Ardennes city of Vianden in the northeast part of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is celebrating its 700th anniversary. The programme of events to mark this occasion will start on 20 January with a concert in historical costumes at Vianden Castle, which was owned by the Orange-Nassau dynasty from 1417 to 1890. On Carnival Monday there will be a procession through the narrow medieval streets of the town. On the eve of Luxembourg's national day, 22 June 2008, a host of events will bring the street to life in the presence of their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke Henri and the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. A succession of fairs, exhibitions and concerts will be organised throughout the year. Not forgetting the biggest medieval fair in the country, to be held at Vianden Castle from 2 to 10 August 2008. In addition, a grand historical procession on 9 August and a spectacular Sound & Light Show are sure to captivate visitors to the town of Vianden, which was so greatly appreciated by Victor Hugo, who spent part of his time in exile here in 1871.
Events to be held in 2008:
Two weekends in March: Patronage ceremony for towns having signed the Charter of 1308, Bourscheid, Brandenbourg, Schönecken, Prüm and Neuerburg.
Monday, 17 March 2008: Virtual reality in 3D: Museological project at Vianden Castle.
Saturday, 12 April 2008 at 10.00 am: Inauguration of paintings by the children of Vianden « Mir sen 700 » (We are 700).
From 26 April to 25 May 2008: Exhibition at Vianden Castle. International Caricature Fair
Saturday, 24 May 2008: The artists of Vianden work together, preview, exhibition and concert organised at the « aale Kino » by Pogo & Schubertiade. Continues until 7 June (concerts, events, exhibition).
Sunday, 8 June 2008: Artists of Vianden closing concert organised by Pogo & Schubertiade
Sunday, 15 June 2008: 700 minutes of football, organised by FC Orania
Sunday, 22 June 2008: Eve of the national holiday in the presence of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess. Preview of the exhibition "Veiner Geschicht" (The history of Vianden) presenting historical documents of the Town of Vianden and organised by Jean Milmeister at the town hall. Torchlight procession and dance.
Saturday, 28 June 2008: Premiere of the play "Les soubresauts du diable", presented by the Teatro Vivace at the Larei cultural centre.
Thursday, 17 to Sunday, 20 July 2008: Historical “Grenzbegehung” walk along the borders (on foot and on horseback) by members of the Milites Vienensis.
Sunday, 27 July 2008: "Veinen Voll Musik" with blues concerts as well as sports events (Highlight).
2 to 10 August 2008: Medieval Festival at Vianden Castle daily from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Organisers: Les Amis du Château de Vianden (Highlight).
9 and 10 August 2008: Medieval market throughout the town. Organisers: SI Vianden
Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September 2008: Knights' tournament organised by Milites Vienensis at the old football stadium (Highlight).
Tuesday, 16 September 2008 at 10.30 pm: Sound and Light Event 2008 “Castle in Rock II”. Organisers: SI Vianden (Highlight).
Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 October 2008: Spiritual concert "Les Trinitaires à Vianden" organised by the Veiner Gesank at the Eglise des Trinitaires.
Sunday, 12 October 2008: Traditional Nuts Market in Vianden village (Highlight).
Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 30 November 2008: "Veiner Goldschmattkonscht" gold- and silverware exhibition under the Patronage of the Grand Duke Jean, in the knights' room at Vianden Castle, with the assistance of the National Museum.
Sunday, 23 November 2008: Academic session at the castle: "700 years of city rights", forming the culmination of the ceremonies.
Sunday, 30 November 2008: Concert by the Luxembourg Army Military Band
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