St. Martin Lantern Procession – Koblenz

The Saint Martin Lantern Procession is one of the most significant family traditions in the predominantly Catholic Rhineland and a firm fixture in the annual calendar in many parts of Koblenz. At its heart is Saint Martin of Tours (316–397), who shared his cloak with a freezing beggar near Amiens, becoming a symbol of sharing and charity.

Tradition of Lanterns

In the run-up to the procession, children in kindergartens, primary schools, and at home craft their own lanterns. Using wooden sticks, coloured paper, glue, and a candle (or LED light), they create suns, moons, stars, animals, and imaginative individual designs. These lanterns are carried through the streets on the evening of Saint Martin's Day, creating a magical atmosphere of light that suits the darkening autumn season.

Saint Martin on Horseback

The procession is traditionally led by a rider in a Roman soldier's uniform, representing Saint Martin. Parish communities or local associations usually hire a rider who portrays the historical figure with a horse, helmet, red cloak, and sword. They are accompanied by a brass band playing the classic Saint Martin songs: 'Sankt Martin ritt durch Schnee und Wind' (Saint Martin rode through snow and wind), 'Ich geh mit meiner Laterne' (I walk with my lantern), and 'Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne' (Lantern, sun, moon, and stars).

Old Town as a Backdrop

The Saint Martin procession through Koblenz Old Town utilizes the historic setting with its narrow alleys, the Church of Our Lady, Florinsmarkt, Plan, and Jesuitenplatz. The atmosphere – children with lanterns, the dim light in the alleys, the music – is incomparable and for many families the emotional highlight of the autumn.

Saint Martin's Bonfire and Weckmann

At the destination, a Saint Martin's bonfire is traditionally lit. It symbolizes the shared light and the warmth that Martin gave to the beggar. Afterwards, children receive the traditional Weckmann (also known as Stutenkerl, Hefekerl, or Martinsmann), a sweet yeast pastry often with a clay pipe – a custom that also stems from the legend of Saint Martin.

District Martins and Old Town Martin

In addition to the Old Town procession on November 7, many Koblenz districts organize their own Saint Martin processions, often on different days, allowing interested families to attend multiple events. The Horchheim district, for example, has its own Saint Martin procession on November 10, 2026.