This weekend, we got to participate in the celebration of St. Martin’s Day, the feast day of a saint that is popular with kids and families here in Germany. St. Martin of Tours was known for his modesty and altruism, and children remember him by making paper lanterns and, as night falls, walking in a parade behind ‘St. Martin’, who traditionally rides a white horse.
Cara brought home a paper lantern that she made in German class, so we figured we should give the festival a try, and we are so glad we did! The night started at St. Ursula Church, in the old town of Oberursel, with a small prayer service, live music, and high-tech puppet show:
The kids then all gathered outside the church and we walked through the dark streets of Old Town Oberursel, singing songs about how St. Martin helped the poor and brought light to others with his good deeds and selflessness. As soon as we started walking, we realized the horn section was processing behind us – such a cool feeling.
The horn section 
St. Martin on his horse 
Cara and her lantern 
A great night for a fall stroll 
Processing through the streets behind St. Martin
After walking through the streets, where many folks stopped to take pictures of the procession, we ended up back at the church for a bonfire and Gluhwein, an adult beverage that is like a hot mulled wine – first sip is a little shocking, but then you can’t stop drinking it!
We wrapped up the evening in the old town, where the full town celebrates St. Martins Day with a medieval festival, food trucks, performances, archery, and more Gluhwein. A great night doing something uniquely German!
Newmans in a New Land 