The Lübeck Martensmann brings tradition and Rotspon to Schwerin!

The Lübeck Martensmann brings tradition and Rotspon to Schwerin!

A very special event is coming up in the Schwerin region on November 11th: St. Martin's Day, which this year will be celebrated with the traditionally revived journey of the Lübeck Martensman. The Martian, played by Stefan Pagel, sets out to bring a 100 liter barrel of the coveted Lübeck Rotspon to Schwerin. The journey begins with a celebratory farewell through Lübeck's town hall at the town hall and moves on to Schönberg and Rehna, where he is warmly welcomed by the mayors. Arrival in Schwerin is scheduled for Sunday, November 9th, and the historic ritual surrounding the wine handover is eagerly awaited.

But what exactly is behind this custom? Originally started in the 16th century by the Lübeck council representatives, wine delivery was a centuries-long tradition that was almost forgotten in the 19th century. Thanks to its revival in 1990, this UNESCO intangible cultural heritage has been celebrated annually ever since. The public is looking forward to finding out at the festival whether the handover of the wine is a voluntary gift or a duty of the Lübeck Council, which has always been an exciting topic in the history of the Martensmann. Welt.de reports on the rich history and regional significance of this custom, which even goes back to 1520.

Ceremony to honor the custom

Just recently, on November 5, 2023, a ceremony took place in the Bechelsdorfer Schulzenhaus in Schönberg to honor the importance of the Martensman. Originally planned for last year, it had to be postponed due to the corona pandemic. The organizers were the district of Nordwestmecklenburg and the Heimatbund für die Fürstentum Ratzeburg e.V. District Administrator Tino Schomann emphasized the importance of the custom and emphasized that the relevant actors who contribute to preserving this tradition should work more closely together in the future.

The event also celebrated the entry into the nationwide register of intangible cultural heritage, which those involved were understandably very happy about. Stefan Pagel, who has portrayed Martensman for seven years, is optimistic and is happy that the Martensman's journey can take place again in 2025. This event is not only a look back into history, but also a look forward to keep this tradition alive for future generations. Nordwestmecklenburg.de highlights the cultural relevance of the Martensmann and documents the ongoing enthusiasm for it.

Looking forward to the big celebration

While the preparations for the big festival are being made in bite size, there is also exciting news about the wine: Today, the traditional white Rhine wine is no longer offered, but the delicious Rotspon, a French red wine. This shows how dynamic traditions can develop without losing their essence. St. Martin's Day, which commemorates the patron saint of travelers and the poor, Martin of Tours, remains an important part of social life in the region.

There is no question that the anticipation for the celebrations in Schwerin is already palpable. The return of the Martensman symbolizes not only the revival of a historical custom, but also a connection between the cities that has grown over centuries.