In Germany, on or around November 11, St. Martin, a Roman soldier turned saint, is celebrated for sharing his coat with a beggar. Lantern parades, a bonfire, a St. Martin’s play as well as a goose roast are some of the traditions for St. Martin’s Day.
Lantern Parade
In the evening, young and old come together to walk through town, singing songs and carrying their colorful lanterns which they made ahead of time.
St. Martin’s Play
St. Martin is famous for the story of giving half of his coat to a beggar who was freezing in the cold. The parades usually end with the reenactment of this story.