St. Martin's Day Feast & Celebration

St. Martin's Day, or "Martinstag" in Germany, is a cherished holiday full of heartwarming traditions, tasty treats, and the flicker of homemade lanterns lighting up the autumn night. Celebrated on November 11th, this day honors St. Martin of Tours, a soldier-turned-saint known for his act of compassion—sharing his cloak with a beggar during a snowstorm. The traditional roasted goose (Martinsgans) meal on Martinstag is based on another part of the legend. Feeling unworthy of becoming a bishop, Martin hid in a stable filled with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his location, and the people of Tours had him consecrated as a bishop. German communities, both young and old, take to the streets in joyful lantern processions (called “Laternenumzug”), singing songs that could make even the grumpiest neighbor crack a smile. Carrying paper, candle-lit lanterns, young children take part in an evening procession, sometimes led by a rider on a white horse, emulating St. Martin and his red cloak. In some places the lantern procession ends with a Martinsfeuer (St. Martin bonfire.) It’s a day of light and kindness, where the spirit of generosity shines just as brightly as the colorful lanterns dotting the night sky. Depending on the region, at the end of the lantern procession, the children are rewarded with a sweet pastry called a “Weckmann” (Rhineland), a “Stutenkerl” (Westphalia) and other regional names.

Since November 11 also coincides with Veterans Day, we will be celebrating St. Martin's Day on Saturday, November 9 between 4pm - 8:30pm. Our goose feast will take place at 4pm before a service inside the sanctuary at 6pm. The service will end with a kickoff of our lantern walk at 6:30pm. Please join us for a night of food, community, tradition, and fun!

We are limited to 100 spots for the goose feast, so please reserve below. It is $10 a plate ($8 for minors.)

Host or Publisher First German United Methodist Church