The Corniche
Thirty-one waiters in costumes walked up the Corniche in Luxembourg City this weekend, balancing trays full of drinks. No running allowed. Spills meant time penalties. The one with the steadiest hands and the driest tray at the top won.
The Waiter's Hill Race dates back to 1914 in Paris, where professional waiters in traditional garçon attire competed for the title of most talented waiter. Luxembourg's version is more eclectic. This year's contestants dressed as hospital patients in g-strings, bumblebees, and 80s sports enthusiasts. One finalist downed a beer out of his hat on stage.
The format was revamped this year for the fourth edition: two semi-finals and a final, instead of a single race. The 400m route up the scenic Corniche hill is steep enough on its own, but organisers added obstacles. Crates of beer, stairs, smoke, and shots. All while keeping hands steady. The semi-finals were two laps. The final was four.
Sam Tordy won. He had crossed the line first last year but was sent back for another lap after a dispute, lost too much water from his glasses, and finished fourth. This year he came back with his outfit and his muscles, as he put it, and took the win.
After the race, prizes went out for best stage performance. The finalists got on stage one by one and danced, or in one case, drank beer from a hat. Hundreds watched. The event was organised by Gudde Wëllen, and it is becoming a tradition.