Wissen Martinsmarkt
Traditional Martinsmarkt with St. Martin on horseback and St. Martin's procession on the second Sunday in November in Wissen city centre
About Wissen Martinsmarkt
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Saint Martin and the Cloak Division
Saint Martin of Tours, whose feast day is celebrated on November 11th, is one of the most popular saints in Christendom. The legend of the cloak division — Martin, as a Roman soldier, divided his cloak with a shivering beggar — is at the centre of many autumn traditional festivals. In Wissen, the tradition is kept alive by the Martinsmarkt on the Sunday before November 11th, with the appearance of St. Martin on horseback and the traditional St. Martin's procession in the evening.
Second Sunday in November as the Date
The Martinsmarkt takes place annually on the second Sunday in November. In 2026, this date falls on November 8th. This timing allows the St. Martin customs to be celebrated on the weekend without waiting for the exact feast day (November 11th) — many parishes choose the preceding weekend for the main event for practical reasons.
Sunday Shopping and Market Mile
The Martinsmarkt is open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Stalls in the city centre offer arts and crafts, autumn and advent decorations, regional products, and culinary specialities. Wissen retailers open their shops for the Sunday shopping event, giving visitors the opportunity to combine their market stroll with shopping. Mulled wine, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and gingerbread characterise the culinary offerings.
St. Martin on Horseback and St. Martin's Procession
The highlight of the day is the appearance of St. Martin on horseback at 3:00 PM — a moving reenactment of the cloak division legend with an actor in a soldier's uniform on a horse. Children and adults eagerly follow the scene where the soldier shares his cloak with the beggar. In the evening at 6:00 PM, the grand St. Martin's procession to the bonfire on the Schützenplatz follows. Children walk through the city centre with their handmade lanterns, accompanied by St. Martin on his horse and a music group. Upon arrival at the Schützenplatz, the St. Martin's bonfire is lit.
Treffpunkt Wissen e.V. as Organiser
The Martinsmarkt is organised by Treffpunkt Wissen e.V. — the Wissen retailers' association, which also organises the May Market in spring. The retailers' association significantly contributes to the revitalisation of Wissen's city centre with its events.
Wissen Martinsmarkt — edition 2026
2026 Programme
The key dates are confirmed:
- 11:00 AM — Market opening, Sunday shopping begins
- 3:00 PM — St. Martin on horseback in the city centre
- 6:00 PM — St. Martin's procession from the city centre to the bonfire on the Schützenplatz
- Following — St. Martin's bonfire at the Schützenplatz
- Until 6:00 PM — Sunday shopping and market
Programme Wissen Martinsmarkt 2026
Event Schedule
11:00 AM — Market Opening
Opening of the Wissen Martinsmarkt in the city centre. Stalls are set up, and the first visitors arrive with their families. Wissen shops open for Sunday shopping.
Morning and Afternoon — Strolling and Refreshments
Peak crowds in the late morning and afternoon. Stalls with arts and crafts, autumn and advent decorations, regional products, and gifts are well-frequented. Mulled wine, bratwurst, potato pancakes, and gingerbread provide culinary accompaniments. Families with children stroll through the city centre.
3:00 PM — St. Martin on Horseback
The highlight of the afternoon is the appearance of St. Martin on horseback. An actor in a soldier's uniform rides through the city centre, followed by the cloak division scene with an actor playing the beggar. Children and adults eagerly follow the moving reenactment of the saint's legend.
Afternoon — Market Continues
The market stroll and catering continue. Children can decorate their lanterns for the evening procession in a craft corner or bring their own handmade lanterns.
6:00 PM — St. Martin's Procession
Grand St. Martin's procession to the bonfire. Children with their lanterns, their families, St. Martin on horseback, and a music band walk through the city centre to the Schützenplatz. St. Martin's songs are sung.
At the Schützenplatz — St. Martin's Bonfire
Upon arrival at the Schützenplatz, the traditional St. Martin's bonfire is lit. Stick bread, hot drinks, and communal singing round off the festival.
Detailed programme for 2026 will be published shortly before the event on the Treffpunkt Wissen website.
Highlights Wissen Martinsmarkt 2026
- Martinsmarkt on the 2nd Sunday in November 2026
- St. Martin on horseback at 3:00 PM with cloak division
- Grand St. Martin's procession at 6:00 PM to the bonfire
- Sunday shopping in Wissen city centre
- Mulled wine, bratwurst, potato pancakes, gingerbread
Prices Wissen Martinsmarkt 2026
Practical information — Wissen Martinsmarkt
Date and Times
Sunday, November 8th, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. St. Martin on horseback at 3:00 PM. St. Martin's procession at 6:00 PM.
Location
Wissen city centre for the market, Schützenplatz for the bonfire, 57537 Wissen.
Admission
Free.
Getting There
By train via the Sieg line (RB 90) to Wissen (Sieg). By car via the B 62. Parking available in the vicinity of the city centre.
Tips
Warm clothing for the evening St. Martin's procession. Children can bring their handmade lanterns.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Wissen Martinsmarkt al mejor precio.
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