Lantern Procession Blankenhagen

St. Martin's Day in Northern Mecklenburg

St. Martin's Day on November 11th is celebrated in many North German villages as a family and community festival – with a devotion, lantern procession, St. Martin's bonfire, and small baked goods reminiscent of the legend of Saint Martin of Tours. In Blankenhagen, a village in northern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on the edge of the Rostocker Heide, this format has been established for years and is organized by the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Blankenhagen.

What Happens?

The evening follows a clear, well-rehearsed sequence typical for the region:

• Meeting at 5 PM at the village church – Children with self-made lanterns, families, grandparents, club members
• Short devotion in the church or in front of the portal – referencing the St. Martin's legend and singing one or two St. Martin's songs
• Lantern procession – the group walks through the village with their glowing lanterns, often accompanied by a small brass ensemble playing the classic St. Martin's songs
• St. Martin's bonfire on the village square – an open fire is lit, mulled wine and punch for adults, hot chocolate for children, along with sausages from the grill
• St. Martin's horns – the sweet yeast pastries are distributed to the children, sometimes supplemented with lollipops or small bags

Who Celebrates

The St. Martin's festival in Blankenhagen is a typical village festival with a family and intergenerational character. Parents with kindergarten children, schoolchildren with self-made lanterns, grandparents accompanying their grandchildren – the audience ranges from 2 to 90 years old. The local fire department supports the bonfire and escorts the procession through the village, and some clubs handle catering and setup. It is not a tourist event, but a genuine village event with a small external impact.

Why It's Worth Visiting

Anyone who wants to experience the authentic North of Mecklenburg – beyond the large Baltic Sea resorts and island attractions – will find an honest, quiet, community-driven event in the Blankenhagen St. Martin's festival. It fits well with a short stay in Graal-Müritz, Warnemünde, or Rostock in late autumn, when island and city events have become smaller and regional customs gain importance. Families with children can experience a classic St. Martin's ritual here without commercialism.

What You Should Know

• Meeting point: Blankenhagen Village Church, Dorfstraße
• Time: typically 5 PM (devotion), procession afterwards
• Bring a lantern or make one beforehand – this is part of the tradition
• Warm clothing and sturdy footwear: November in Mecklenburg is cold, the procession takes place outdoors