The Month of May...

The month of May began in royal style with the Beautification of Pope John Paul II and will end with state visit to Norway. Sandwiched between these two illustrious events will be several other engagements sure to satisfy your Luxembourg sweet tooth.

• May 14 - Formal opening of the Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg.

• May 14 to 18 - Trade Mission to Japan led by The Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Krecké

• May 18 to 19 - Trade Mission to South Korea led by The Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Krecké

• May 26 - 6th Annual Luxembourg Financial Forum

• May 29 - Close of the Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg

• May 30 to June1 - State Visit to Norway

The Octave features 15 full days of religious activities. Traditionally various members of The Grand Ducal Family quietly attend some of these events. The procession that closes the Octave is always a large event attended by many members of The Grand Ducal Family. For a full schedule of Octave events you may visit the website of the Catholic Church in Luxembourg. If you're confused about the significance placed on the Octave, I encourage you to read the article written by Fausto Gardini for the Luxembourg American Gazette. You may also be interested in reading the historical information provided by the Catholic Church in Luxembourg.

The Hereditary Grand Duke's trade mission to Japan will include a seminar and networking events. A food and wine week has been organized to coincide with the mission. Clients will be invited to enjoy Luxembourgish food and wine at a luxury hotel. The South Korean leg of the mission will also include a seminar and networking opportunities. Additionally, private meetings will be held with local partners. A trade mission is always proceeded by a high level visit from ministers of the Luxembourg government. In keeping with this policy, Deputy Prime Minister Jean Asselborn (also Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration) visited the nations last month. His mission focused on bilateral ties, economic policies and trade agreements. An important aspect of his mission to Japan focused on the continued relief efforts in the wake of the recent disasters.

The Norwegian Royal Court has published a summary of events that will be included in the state visit. The state visit includes a trade mission.

On another note, this lovely new Christian Aschman photo of The Hereditary Grand Duke is available at the website of the Cour Grand-Ducale. You may notice that The Hereditary Grand Duke is wearing a white tie featuring the orange and blue of the Nassau dynasty.

We will provide updates as these events approach and after they occur. This is not an exhaustive list of future engagements.

Sources: Knol, Luxembourg for Finance, Luxembourg for Business, Katholische Kirche in Luxemburg, The Royal Court of Norway, Luxembourg Financial Forum, Cour Grand-Ducale, Wort, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan, MyMosaik, Yonhap News Agency, MyMosaik,