Luxembourg: They create the magic of “Kleeschen”, but at what price?

“Nach eemol gi mer schlofen, dann ass den Dag schonn do…” (one more bedtime and the day is already here) – this refrain of the traditional song resonates in many homes these days and announces a special moment: the Kleeschen . This is the case, for example, in Colmar-Berg: “For us, the visit is a highlight,” says a mother of two children aged three and four and a half – just old enough to fully experience the magic of the tradition of Saint Nicholas. But organization is not always easy.

“This year it was difficult to find a costume. Most were quickly taken, and in Luxembourg, there are hardly any opportunities to rent one,” she says. So the family organized to bring a suit from Germany for around 100 euros. A family friend will dress up and distribute gifts to the children. Despite all these challenges, the tradition remains a project dear to the heart of the family. On the evening of December 5, the shoes were left at the door and on the morning of the 6th, St. Nicholas Day, the children eagerly rushed outside to see what the Kleeschen had brought.

Raoul Roettgers, originally from Troisvierges, knows the tradition like almost no one else, since he has taken on the role of Saint Nicholas for 30 years. “I started small at the time, then associations, schools, municipalities and even political parties called on me,” says the 46-year-old man. The preparations for the approximately 40 outings are extensive: the costume is refurbished every year and the appointments are planned months in advance.

For a performance, he asks between 100 and 120 euros – around 80 euros for individuals, 40 euros for the Kleeschen and 40 for his companion, the Housécker, the one the French call Père Fouettard. But despite the remuneration (around 5,000 euros), the financial aspect plays a secondary role for him: “The bright eyes of the children and the gratitude of the parents – that is priceless.” For Raoul Roettgers too, one thing is certain: Saint Nicholas Day remains a project close to his heart, because “traditions like this must not be lost, they are part of our culture and remind us of beautiful moments and the emotions of our childhood.

Similar enthusiasm inspires the members of the “De Kleeschen ASBL” association. For six years, this non-profit association has been committed to keeping the Kleeschen tradition alive – in an authentic way. “We not only want to distribute gifts, but also convey the message of Saint Nicholas,” explains Cyril Blum, president of the non-profit organization. Since 2019, Saint Nicholas Day has been included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.

The costumes are impressive: high-quality materials, a faithful bishop’s robe and a four-part human hair wig – consisting of a beard, eyebrows, mustache and hair on the head – bring Kleeschen to life. “If you want to reproduce this tradition so perfectly, the equipment is very expensive,” says Blum. The costs run into four-figure sums. Despite these investments, the non-profit organization works without making a profit. Every year, she organizes free visits to clinics and schools as well as fundraisers to spread the message of Saint Nicholas.

During the main six days, Cyril and his assistants visit around 130 children in families – not including schools and other institutions. Planning begins a year in advance and preparing for each visit takes several hours. “We do all of this on top of our full-time jobs and take vacation time for it,” Bartringer reports.

In total, the team raises in six days “a small four-figure sum which will be used for future projects and laborious preparation.” “Parents already book a year in advance,” reports Blum. “We are already fully booked for next year, everything is planned down to the smallest detail.” This strong demand shows to what extent the tradition of Kleeschen is still appreciated in the Grand Duchy.

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