St. Martin's Day 2025: Lantern parades and festivities in the region

St. Martin's Day 2025: Lantern parades and festivities in the region

The anticipation of St. Martin's Day on November 11th is increasing in Cologne and the surrounding area. In the parishes of the Zossen-Fläming and Neukölln parishes, numerous events are again being organized that celebrate both tradition and the sense of community. According to information from maz online Children and adults experience the eventful history of Saint Martin, who became known for his legendary gesture of charity.

What makes these celebrations so special? In economic cooperation with schools and daycare centers, church services and devotions take place, which are often accompanied by references to the St. Martin story. These are rounded off by colorful lantern parades that parade through the streets and illuminate the darkness. This tradition has its origins in the candlelight processions of the early Christians, such as ndr.de reported.

Events around St. Martin’s Day

The traditional events that attract numerous families in the region take place on November 11th:

• 17 Uhr: Martinstag in der Dorfkirche Schenkendorf, anschließender Umzug zur Kita Regenbogen.
• 17 Uhr: Lampionumzug des Feuerwehrvereins Gallun am Gerätehaus der Feuerwehr.
• 16 Uhr: Martinsandacht in der Kreuzkirche Königs Wusterhausen, anschließender Umzug zur St. Elisabethgemeinde.
• 16.30 Uhr: Martinsumzug von der Kita „Arche Noah“ Diepensee zur Kirche Deutsch Wusterhausen, mit Familienfest nach der Andacht.
• 17 Uhr: Großes Martinsfest an der Friedenskirche in Wildau mit Geschichte, Martinshörnchen, Umzug und Ponyreiten.
• 17 Uhr: Laternenumzug an der Landkostarena Bestensee, mit kulinarischen Leckerbissen.
• 17 Uhr: Ökumenischer Martinsumzug an der Kirche St. Nikolaus in Blankenfelde-Mahlow.

The celebrations continue on November 14th, a few days after the main festival. Events such as the lantern parade at the Knirpsenland daycare center in Groß Machnow and St. Martin's Fire in Ragow bring the tradition to life.

The Legend of Saint Martin

The story of Saint Martin, a Roman soldier and later Bishop of Tours, is central to the celebrations. He is known for sharing his coat with a freezing beggar, embodying the spirit of charity. The legends surrounding Saint Martin show how deeply rooted these values ​​are in the culture. In addition, the roast goose, traditionally served on St. Martin's Day, is told of old erratic stories in which Martin hid in a goose coop, but was subsequently discovered and eventually consecrated bishop ndr.de.

These festivities are not only an occasion for happy get-togethers, but also an opportunity to introduce children to the cultural and historical roots of their region and to strengthen the community. St. Martin's Day brings joy and light into the autumnal darkness and gets you in the mood for the contemplative time of the year.