Saint Martin 2025

Description

Saint Martin is a day in Germany that remembers Saint Martin of Tours. He is remembered as a kind soldier who helped a poor person. The day honors kindness and looking after others.

It takes place every year on 11 November. The date is fixed and easy to remember. It sits in the calendar between harvest time and the start of winter.

People celebrate the idea of sharing and helping those in need. The holiday reminds communities to be generous and to care for the vulnerable. It is a moment to think about fairness.

Saint Martin is important because it teaches moral values. It brings different generations together to pass on stories of compassion. The day helps keep local culture and memory alive across Germany.

Traditions

In towns and villages children make colorful paper lanterns and walk in evening processions. They sing simple songs while carrying lanterns on sticks. Adults often lead with a person dressed as Saint Martin riding a horse during the march.

After the procession people gather around bonfires and listen to a short play called the Martinsspiel. Neighbors clap and sing. Children sometimes get small bags of sweets or cookies handed out by adults. Schools and churches join with extra songs and performances.

Food is shared at home and in community halls. Many families eat roast goose or a sweet crescent roll called a Martinshörnchen. Warm drinks like hot chocolate or mulled juice are common at the celebrations.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks and some museums close or have short hours. Town centers host evening parades and events that can close streets and make buses busy. Book trains and restaurants early and allow extra travel time for walking detours.

Stay safe in crowds by keeping children close and away from open flames. Use well lit routes and public transport where possible. Join official events to support local vendors and enjoy the atmosphere, and bring warm clothes and a charged phone.