Grabower Martinimarkt

445 Years of Market History

Grabow, the Eldestadt in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, boasts a remarkably long market tradition: the Martinimarkt has been held since the 16th century (according to the town's own records, since 1581) — making it one of Mecklenburg's oldest documented annual fairs. Originally, the market around St. Martin's Day (November 11th) was the central trading date, where farmers from the surrounding area sold their autumn harvest, traded livestock, and stocked up for winter. Today, it is a classic Volksfest (popular fair) with rides, showmen, game stalls, and catering.

The Fairground and the Offerings

The market takes place on the St. Pauli fairground in the Eldestadt — a traditional market square that becomes a small entertainment mile for three days. Expected are:

• Approximately 70 showmen and stalls — nine rides (including Ferris wheel, Breakdancer, dodgems), shooting galleries, lottery stalls, arcade games, and children's carousels
• Catering: Bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen (lard cakes), Mutzen (regional specialty), chocolate-covered fruit, roasted almonds, crêpes, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes), mulled wine, and punch
• Family entertainment with children's rides and face painting

The Fireworks — The Highlight

As with many North German Martinimärkte, the grand fireworks display on Sunday evening (typically 7:30 PM) forms the traditional highlight. Thousands of visitors gather on the fairground and in the town centre to watch. In years with a three-day format (Fri-Sun), the fireworks take place on Sunday; in years with an extended format (Fri-Mon), they take place on Monday.

Regional Significance

The Grabower Martinimarkt is part of the Mecklenburg Martinimarkt tradition, alongside the neighbouring and better-known Parchimer Martinimarkt — both are visited annually by tens of thousands of people from the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. For Grabow, the market is one of the most important annual economic events: hotels and restaurants are full, and local retailers benefit. The event is organised by the town of Grabow in cooperation with the showmen's association.