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Martensmann inspires Schwerin: tradition, redspon and cheers!
On November 9, 2025, the Martensmann was welcomed in Schwerin to celebrate tradition and friendship with Lübeck.
Martensmann inspires Schwerin: tradition, redspon and cheers!
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the city of Schwerin experienced a special reception for the Martensmann, who came to visit from Lübeck. Hundreds of Schwerin residents gathered on the market square to welcome the Hanseatic city's envoy. The Martian, this time played by Stefan Pagel, brought a barrel of Rotspon with him, which he described as a sign of “neighborly friendship”. A real bang in the North German tradition! During the festive reception, a traditional debate also took place between Pagel and Schwerin's mayor Sebastian Ehlers, during which the questions of wine delivery and the decades-long friendship between Schwerin and Lübeck were discussed.
On the occasion of Martensmann's visit, the medieval festival “Martensmarkt” was celebrated in Schwerin. This festival, which has been livened up since Friday with jugglers and traders in the historic city center, forms the traditional setting for the handover of the barrel of Rotspon, which the Martensmann provided as a gift for the people of Schwerin. Ehlers emphasized how important cooperation between the cities is and described the custom as a “sign of real friendship”. The Martensmann himself proved to be extremely popular during his visits and patiently made himself available for selfies while he handed out red wine and delicious Lübeck marzipan to the enthusiastic guests.
A custom with history
The Martensman custom has an impressive history that dates back to the 15th century. It was originally brought to the then Duke of Schwerin as a sign of friendship, but expired in 1817, only to be brought back to life in 1991 by the then Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, Björn Engholm. Since then, the reception has been celebrated annually and in 2020 it even received a place in the nationwide register of intangible cultural heritage, as Welt reports. An impressive step towards preserving this tradition!
The Martensmann's journey itself traditionally took place in a special way: he set off from Lübeck on Friday in a two-horse carriage, accompanied by musicians who cheerfully accompanied the way to the festival. The whole event is not only a happy celebration, but also an important part of the regional identity that is deeply rooted in the community.
So it remains to say: The Martensmann and his Rotspon are not only a reason for joy in Schwerin, but also a symbol of the best neighborhood and long-standing traditions that make people's hearts beat faster every November. The people of Schwerin clearly enjoy this special custom, and the guests from Lübeck can also be proud of their tradition.
Anyone who couldn't be there at this event missed out on the festive togetherness, the culinary delicacies and the warm atmosphere. In the end it is clear: traditions like these bring people together and create lasting memories!