Counting donkey

The donkeys of Count Diekirch

What could be more beautiful to do in Diekirch than to count donkeys? Diekirch has long been known as the donkey town, and the gray donkey is of course the mascot. It is not quite known why the donkey is such an important animal for the Luxembourg village. According to the most likely story, farmers around Diekirch used to employ donkeys for their fields and vineyards. Donkeys were the only way to do the heavy work on the gentle slopes. According to another anecdote, the residents of Diekirch were called "stubborn donkeys" when they protested against the construction of a railway line...

If you look closely, you will see donkeys everywhere in the town. The most famous is the donkey fountain in the pedestrian zone with four happily dancing donkeys. On special occasions, there is no water, but beer from the fountain. You will also see a donkey on a church tower (instead of a weather vane), accompanied by Saint Nicholas at the corner of a facade and a donkey that poops ducats (instead of a goose laying eggs). There is also a big parade dedicated to the donkey every year.

By the way, the residents of Diekirch are no longer offended when they are called "donkeys." They are even proud of it!

SOURCE: What you can do in Diekirch: 10 tips! | Club of World Travelers (wereldreis.net)

Joris Broché