Each October, as the Moselle slips into its golden hush, I feel something stir. 

I’m not from the Moselle myself, but through the stories of my mother-in-law, I’ve come to know its rhythm – its vines, its laughter, its quiet pride. 

Luxembourg listens too. 

Not with noise, but with memory. 

I’ve heard tales of roosters tied to the last vine, of harvests celebrated with joy and community. And when the Hunnefeier returns to Schengen, it feels like those stories come alive again. 

Today, we gather around the Schengener Hinnchen, a ceramic rooster crowing not just for renewal, but for creativity and connection. 

Here, where borders blur and grapes grow bold, we celebrate not only the harvest, but the heritage that binds us – through taste, tradition and togetherness. 

In the golden hush of October, as the Moselle whispers through sleeping vineyards,   

Luxembourg listens.   

Not with noise, but with memory —   

Of roosters tied to vines, of laughter echoing between barrels and stone.   

The Hunnefeier returns, not just as a festival,   

But as a heartbeat of tradition,   

A ceramic rooster crowing for renewal,   

A village gathering to taste the past and toast the present.   

Here, where borders blur and grapes grow bold,   

We celebrate not only harvest,   

But heritage. 

What is the Hunnefeier?

Held each October in the village of Schengen, the Hunnefeier marks the end of the grape harvest. Historically, a live rooster was tied to the last vine and the fastest harvester won it as a prize. Today, this tradition lives on through the Schengener Hinnchen – a handcrafted ceramic rooster designed annually by a local artist. 

This year’s event is on Saturday, 19 October, and this year's rooster was created by artist Lyn Riccardo, under the theme 'Trounwiessel' (Change of Throne). Each piece is unique and symbolises renewal and creativity in the Moselle region. 

More information can be found on the Syndicat d’Initiative Schengen website here.   

Image © Syndicat d’Initiative Schengen 

What to expect at Hunnefeier

19 October 2025

Rue Robert Goebbels, L-5444 Schengen   

All day – free entry   

• Artisan market with over 100 stalls   
• International street performers   
• Exhibition of historic tractors   
• Live music and festive atmosphere   
• Tastings of local wines, Crémants, and seasonal specialties like *Fiederwäissen* and *Fiederrouden* 

Source: Visit Luxembourg https://www.visitluxembourg.com/de/veranstaltung/hunnefeier 

Recipe: Luxembourgish Onion Tart (Zwiwwelskuuch)   

A warm, hearty classic for autumn gatherings 

Ingredients

(serves 6-8)

• 400 g flour   
• 20 g fresh yeast   
• 250 ml lukewarm water   
• 1 tsp salt   
• 3 tbsp oil   
• 800 g onions, sliced   
• 400 g diced bacon (optional)   
• 250 g grated cheese (e.g. Gouda)   
• 200 ml cream   
• 2 egg yolks   
• Salt and pepper 

Instructions

1. Mix dough ingredients and let rise.   

2. Sauté onions until translucent.   

3. Mix bacon and cheese. Whisk cream with egg yolks.   

4. Roll out dough, spread onions, top with mixture, pour cream over.   

5. Let rise briefly, then bake at 200°C for 30 minutes. 

Language Fun: Word of the Week  

Luxembourgish: Hinnchen → [ˈhɪnçən] 

German: Hähnchen  

English: Rooster  

Try it in a sentence: “D’Hinnchen ass e Symbol vun der Recolte.”

It means: “The rooster is a symbol of the harvest.” 

Children’s Corner: Song and story in Luxembourgish 

Song: Klëmmt ee Männchen d'Leeder erop   

A playful tune about a man climbing a ladder – perfect for autumn themes like apple picking and movement.   

Watch on YouTube 

Storytime: Geschicht mam Lumpi – Emilie vum Domitille de Pressensé

Lumpi the dog introduces Emilie, a curious little girl. Themes: friendship, discovery and emotional learning.   

Watch on YouTube