Parchimer Martinimarkt

A Market with 650 Years of History

The Parchimer Martinimarkt is far more than an annual fair—it's a living piece of Mecklenburg's town history. As early as 1370, merchants offered their goods in Parchim, the present-day district town of Ludwigslust-Parchim. Towards the end of the 17th century, the market took place twice a year, combining the sale of goods with livestock trading. It bears its name after St. Martin's Day around November 11th, the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. What was once a trading market has evolved into a beloved folk festival over the centuries.

The Bergstraße Fairground

Since 1968, the market has had its permanent place on the Bergstraße fairground. Covering approximately 19,000 square meters, it features a variety of rides, carousels, food stalls, and showmen's businesses. The mix of action, fun, entertainment, and culinary delights makes the Martinimarkt one of the largest folk festivals in all of Mecklenburg. Visitors will meet people from all over the region—the Martinimarkt is a fixed date in the annual calendar for many families in the district.

Folk Festival Atmosphere in November

• Rides and Carousels for young and old
• Showmen and Market Stalls offering sweets, toys, and trinkets
• Culinary Delights with roasted almonds, bratwurst, crêpes, and mulled wine
• Fireworks Display as the grand finale on Monday evening

The Fireworks Finale

Traditionally, the Martinimarkt concludes on Monday evening at 8:00 PM with a spectacular, colorful fireworks display over the fairground. It is the emotional highlight of the four festival days and once again draws many visitors to the town. As the lights fade over Bergstraße, one of Mecklenburg's oldest market traditions comes to an end for another year.

Tradition Meets the Present

The Parchimer Martinimarkt combines centuries-old tradition with contemporary folk festival spirit. In the jubilee year 2026, when Parchim celebrates its 800th anniversary, the market takes on special significance—it symbolically represents the long trading and civic history of this Mecklenburg town.