We took part in the annual festival of St. Martin this year. The actual Feast of St. Martin is November 11th but every town chooses a different day that week for the celebration.
"Lantern, lantern, sun, moon, and stars. . . " This refrain echoes through the streets of Germany every year on or around November 11. Children with colorful, handmade lanterns promenade through the streets, cheerfully singing songs they learned at school. Brimming with excitement, each child hopes to catch a glimpse of the man dressed in a medieval soldier’s uniform (St. Martin) and his proud steed as they lead the procession of children through the village streets.
Legend has it that at the gates of Amiens, Martin met a poor, scantily clothed beggar, who asked him for help from the freezing cold. But Martin had nothing with him other than his military cloak, so he decided to share it with the man. With one stroke, he split his warm cloak in two and gave one half to the man, who was deeply grateful. After performing this act of generosity, Martin left the military service and had himself baptized a Christian so he could help people in need and value love greater than force.
This year we joined our friends Liz, Martin (no relation), their daughter Evelyn and son Leo for the festival in Konigstein. The parade started in the old town and was lead by this years St. Martin on his (actually her) horse. We zig zagged through the cobble stone streets while sipping hot spiced wine and as we made our way up to the Koenigstein Castle Ruins. Once inside the castle, a huge bonfire was lit while the legend of St. Martin was retold to all the lantern toting "kinder" (kids).
Afterwards they gave out the traditional St. Martin shaped bread to the kids and we headed back down to the Old Town for some beer and Schnitzel.
It's fun taking part so many new, old traditions. Might have to find a way to bring this one back to the U.S. of A!
Please check out some pics and the video below!
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