Every year on November 11th, communities all over Germany celebrate St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) — a beloved tradition that brings light, warmth, and sweetness to the dark autumn evenings.
One of the highlights is the “Laternenumzug”, or lantern parade. Children craft colourful paper lanterns (“Laternen”) at school or home and proudly carry them through the streets after sunset, singing cheerful St. Martin songs. Often, a person dressed as St. Martin on horseback leads the procession, reminding everyone of the famous legend of St. Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar on a cold night.
And of course, it wouldn’t be St. Martin’s Day without the delicious “Weckmänner” or “Stutenkerle” — sweet yeast buns shaped like little men, sometimes with a clay pipe. Bakeries fill their windows with these tasty treats in the days leading up to November 11th, and families often enjoy them with hot cocoa or tea after the lantern walk. It’s a cosy, heartwarming tradition that celebrates kindness, sharing, and community spirit — something that continues to shine brightly every year! ✨
Cooking the World
🕯️ St. Martin’s Day Traditions in Germany 🇩🇪
Every year on November 11th, communities all over Germany celebrate St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) — a beloved tradition that brings light, warmth, and sweetness to the dark autumn evenings.
One of the highlights is the “Laternenumzug”, or lantern parade. Children craft colourful paper lanterns (“Laternen”) at school or home and proudly carry them through the streets after sunset, singing cheerful St. Martin songs. Often, a person dressed as St. Martin on horseback leads the procession, reminding everyone of the famous legend of St. Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar on a cold night.
And of course, it wouldn’t be St. Martin’s Day without the delicious “Weckmänner” or “Stutenkerle” — sweet yeast buns shaped like little men, sometimes with a clay pipe. Bakeries fill their windows with these tasty treats in the days leading up to November 11th, and families often enjoy them with hot cocoa or tea after the lantern walk.
It’s a cosy, heartwarming tradition that celebrates kindness, sharing, and community spirit — something that continues to shine brightly every year! ✨
6 days ago | [YT] | 45