St. Martin's Day parades in the Lake District: A festive evening for young and old!

St. Martin's Day parades in the Lake District: A festive evening for young and old!

On November 11, 2025, numerous places in the Mecklenburg Lake District will celebrate St. Martin's Day with colorful parades and happy festivals. The music of the lanterns and the glowing fire bring life to the cold November evenings. Particularly recommended is the parade to Stargard Castle, where the story of Saint Martin is brought to life with a lively performance. A torchlight procession by the volunteer fire department leads the participants to an atmospheric campfire where the popular St. Martin's squirrels are shared. The festive parades begin around the “Uns Flohkist” daycare center, starting at 5 p.m. and gathering at the stables for the large St. Martin's wood fire.

The celebrations cannot only be experienced in Stargard Castle. Relocations are also planned in Mirow, Wesenberg, Dargun, Rechlin, Woldegk, Groß Gievietz and Basedow. Lanterns are lit everywhere to commemorate Saint Martin, who lived in the fourth century and became famous for sharing his cloak with a cold man. This tradition, which is still taught in many families today, is intended to encourage children to show compassion and practice charity.

A historical background

St. Martin's Day is celebrated on November 11th and has its roots in the legend of St. Martin, a Roman soldier born around 316 AD. The story is legendary: Martin shared his cloak with a beggar who revealed himself to him in a dream as Jesus Christ. This simple but strong message of charity and solidarity runs like a common thread through today's celebrations, as [NDR](https://www.ndr.de/geschichte/chronologie/Sankt-Martin-Why- Feiern-wir-am-11-November-Martinstag,martinstag106.html) reports.

Geese play a special role in the customs surrounding St. Martin's Day. Legend has it that Martin hid in a goose pen to avoid being elected Bishop of Tours. But his plans failed when the geese, above the sounds of rumors and calls, gave away his location. As a result, St. Martin's Day is traditionally celebrated with roast goose, which marks the day as a special feast in the year.

Festive customs and traditions

The tradition of the lantern parade developed from early Christian processions and Celtic harvest customs. Children parade through the streets with homemade lanterns, sing songs and make their neighbors happy. Popular snacks such as the “Stutenkerl” made from yeast dough are particularly popular with little ones. At the end of the processions, the St. Martin's fire is lit, which provides cosiness and warmth, while the light of the lanterns continues to shine in the hearts of those involved for a long time.

Although St. Martin's Day is not a public holiday, it captivates many people year after year. The community comes together to celebrate, sing and keep the Christian message of charity and compassion alive. St. Martin's Day in the Mecklenburg Lake District, as well as in many other regions of Germany, becomes a festive reminder to have a good heart and to share with one another.