culture
Youth Transform Luxembourg's Second Mettendran Festival Through Community Action
Young people and youth organisations came together at the Kirchberg Amphitheatre to shape their own experiences through workshops, activities and exchanges organised by the National Youth Service.
How we reported this
The second edition of the Jugendfestival Mettendran took place at the Kirchberg Amphitheatre on Saturday 11 July 2026, bringing together young people and organisations from across Luxembourg's youth sector.
Youth Sector Collaboration in Action
Luxembourg's National Youth Service, known as the Service national de la jeunesse or SNJ, organised the event to create a dedicated space for participation. Youth centres, youth organisations and youth services joined forces, allowing participants to express themselves, experiment with new ideas, discover activities and exchange perspectives with peers and professionals. This gathering reflects the ongoing movement within the local youth community to build connections and shared opportunities.
Programme Built Around Participant Choice
The festival programme centred on participatory workshops, sports sessions and creative activities. Social and catering areas were set up so that young attendees could construct their own schedule for the day rather than follow a fixed timetable. The day ended with live performances and DJ sets that created a festive summer atmosphere at the amphitheatre.
Ministerial Visit and Sector Engagement
Minister of Education, Children and Youth Claude Meisch attended the festival and spoke directly with exhibitors and young participants. His presence underscored the official support for the youth sector's efforts to foster dialogue and practical involvement at the event.
The festival demonstrated how Luxembourg's youth organisations continue to drive a cultural shift toward greater participation and peer exchange. Organisers from the SNJ focused on creating accessible formats that let participants shape the experience themselves, strengthening the networks that support young people across the country.
Future editions are expected to build on the same model of collaboration between youth centres, organisations and services. The emphasis remains on providing spaces where young people can experiment and connect without rigid structures, extending the reach of the youth sector's community-driven approach.