09/11/2025
Last night we went to one of my favourite celebrations in Germany: St. Martin’s Day. It’s such a lovely tradition. As evening falls, everyone in the village gathers for a walk through the streets and fields. People decorate their houses with candles and lanterns, so everything glows softly in the dark.
At the front of the parade is St. Martin on his horse, followed by the firemen carrying torches and a small band playing cheerful tunes. Then come the kids from the kindergarten and primary school, walking proudly with their handmade lanterns. Families join in too: parents pushing prams, dogs wearing little light-up collars. Everyone sings the old St. Martin songs together, and it just feels warm and happy, even though it’s cold outside.
When we reach the big field, there’s a huge bonfire waiting. The kids get their special sweet bread, and the adults warm up with cups of hot mulled wine. You can feel everyone relax and enjoy the moment.
Later, the children go around in small groups, knocking on doors and singing songs in exchange for candies. It’s such a sweet, cozy tradition — one that brings the whole community together, just as the days get shorter and the weather turns colder. It always feels like the perfect start to the winter season.
̇scoming
