Martins-Kirta Untergriesbach

St. Martin's Day in the Bavarian Forest

November 11th is traditionally St. Martin's Day in the predominantly Catholic South German tradition — the feast of St. Martin of Tours, which is celebrated in many Bavarian towns with processions, lanterns, and a festive roast goose. Untergriesbach in the Passau region continues this custom with its own Martins-Kirta on the market square, which takes place a few days before the actual feast day and combines market, customs, and family elements.

Program Between Shops and Market Square

The market square will be filled with stalls, a carousel, and small booths. Classics of St. Martin's customs characterize the day: guessing the weight of the goose (whoever guesses the weight of the live festive goose most accurately wins it or an alternative prize), the balloon competition for children, the carousel, and games for families. Local shops open their doors, some with small promotions or their own stall offerings — the Martins-Kirta is also a Sunday with extended shopping hours, in the Bavarian tradition of the Kirta market.

Untergriesbach in the Passau Region

Untergriesbach is a market town in the district of Passau with about 6,000 inhabitants. The town is located between the Danube (Engtal near Obernzell) and the southern Bavarian Forest — a scenically attractive location on the Austrian border. The historic market square, a late Baroque parish church, and Jochenstein Castle (near Engelhartszell) are among the sights in the immediate vicinity.

Kirta and St. Martin's Day — A Bavarian Double Tradition

In the Lower Bavarian-Austrian dialect area, "Kirta" originally referred to the church consecration festival (Kirchweih), i.e., the dedication day of the local church. Over the centuries, the term has expanded in the Catholic South to include other market days — such as the All Souls' Kirta, St. Martin's Kirta, St. Andrew's Kirta. The Untergriesbach Martins-Kirta is one of these late autumn markets that remains linked to the St. Martin's Day date, combining market character, customs, and celebration.

Family Market Day

The format is deliberately child-friendly: carousel, balloon competition, games, and goose tradition make the Martins-Kirta a family event. Adults will find mulled wine and bratwurst stands, a market with local vendors, and the opportunity to visit Untergriesbach's shops for their Christmas needs — the early November date traditionally coincides with the start of Advent shopping.