Martinsumzug Frankenthal

The Frankenthal St. Martin's Day procession has been a fixed part of Frankenthal's annual calendar for generations and is jointly organized by the Catholic Parish of St. Ludwig, the City of Frankenthal, and the kindergartens in the city center. The date is traditionally St. Martin's Day, November 11th.

Significance of the Custom

The custom of the St. Martin's Day procession commemorates the story of Saint Martin of Tours, who, as a Roman soldier, shared his cloak with a beggar, thus becoming the patron saint of charity. In the Palatinate and Rhineland regions, the St. Martin's Day procession with lanterns, songs, and the sharing of the cloak has become one of the most important traditional dates.

Course of Events in Frankenthal

The meeting point is in the late afternoon on Rathausplatz or the forecourt of St. Ludwig's Church. Accompanied by a brass band and a rider in a red coat, children with their homemade lanterns parade through the city center. At St. Ludwig's Church, the traditional passion play with the sharing of the cloak is performed, followed by a short church service.

Sociable Conclusion

After the church service, the parish invites guests to the parish garden. There, mulled wine for adults, children's punch, and sweet St. Martin's bread rolls are served. The St. Ludwig's Scouts manage a small campfire, and the volunteer fire department ensures traffic safety for the procession.

District Processions

Parallel to the large city center procession, smaller lantern processions take place in all of Frankenthal's districts: in Eppstein, Flomersheim, Mörsch, and Studernheim, each organized by the local kindergartens and church communities.