St. Martin Lantern Procession – Koblenz

The St. Martin's Lantern Parade is one of the most significant family traditions in the Catholic-influenced Rhineland and a staple of the annual calendar in many parts of Koblenz. The event honors Saint Martin of Tours (316–397), who famously shared his cloak with a shivering beggar near Amiens, becoming an enduring symbol of charity and kindness.

The Lantern Tradition

In the weeks leading up to the parade, children craft their own lanterns at home, in kindergarten, or at school. Using wood sticks, colorful paper, glue, and a candle (or LED light), they create suns, moons, stars, animals, and imaginative designs. Carrying these lanterns through the streets at night creates a magical atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the darkening autumn evenings.

St. Martin on Horseback

The parade is traditionally led by a rider dressed in a Roman soldier's uniform, representing Saint Martin. The procession is accompanied by classic St. Martin songs such as Sankt Martin ritt durch Schnee und Wind, Ich geh mit meiner Laterne, and Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne.

The Old Town Backdrop

The parade through the Koblenz Old Town makes the most of the historic setting, with its narrow alleyways and the Liebfrauenkirche. For many families, the sight of children with lanterns glowing in the dim streets, set to music, is the emotional highlight of the autumn season.

Bonfires and Pastries

The parade is traditionally accompanied by a St. Martin's bonfire, symbolizing the shared light and the warmth Martin gave to the beggar, and the Weckmann (also known as Stutenkerl or Martinsmann)—a sweet yeast pastry often featuring a clay pipe, a custom rooted in the St. Martin legend.

The 2025 Edition

The 2025 Old Town parade took place on Friday, November 7, featuring a musical play in the church, a service at the Liebfrauenkirche, the start of the procession at 6 PM, and a subsequent bonfire at the Deutsches Eck. It was organized by Koblenzer Schängel Kultur 2021 e.V. in collaboration with the Weissergasser Kirmesgesellschaft, the Dreifaltigkeit parish community, and the "Unsere Altstadt" citizens' initiative.