Laternenfest
In Germany, the celebration of Laternenfest is held every November 11th. It commemorates Saint Martin of Tours, a soldier who became a bishop and an advocate for the poor. Children make their own lantern (often from kits) and go door to door singing St. Martin songs. They even get candy for it like our Halloween. The highlight of the evening is the singing lantern procession.
It’s the same for us! Usually, our Celebration Hall is host to traditional German Glühwein, German beer, with sausage-and-bun dinner after the procession. We have warmth and lighting and can show some of our Kinderschule songs and have a short puppet show on Saint Martin.
In 2020 we held a much smaller procession inside our gym. The lack of streetlights made our lanterns seem all the brighter!
In 2021 we had planned to meet on November 12th at 5pm at Crescent Drive Park, for an outdoor procession and bonfire, but cancelled the event due to outdoor gathering restrictions. A small, mostly indoor, daytime event was held again at Kinderschule.
In 2022, we're holding the event again at Saint George's Anglican Church, home of Kinderschule. Hooray! All are welcome.
It’s the same for us! Usually, our Celebration Hall is host to traditional German Glühwein, German beer, with sausage-and-bun dinner after the procession. We have warmth and lighting and can show some of our Kinderschule songs and have a short puppet show on Saint Martin.
In 2020 we held a much smaller procession inside our gym. The lack of streetlights made our lanterns seem all the brighter!
In 2021 we had planned to meet on November 12th at 5pm at Crescent Drive Park, for an outdoor procession and bonfire, but cancelled the event due to outdoor gathering restrictions. A small, mostly indoor, daytime event was held again at Kinderschule.
In 2022, we're holding the event again at Saint George's Anglican Church, home of Kinderschule. Hooray! All are welcome.
*fire may not be as depicted in the photo.
** Stockbrot take advanced marshmallow-roasting skill and patience, it is in fact bread on a stick, fire-baked over open flame.
Location: 168 Wilton St, Saint Geroge's Anglican Church, Crescentwood. Washrooms inside.
Please dress warmly for comfort!!!
Songs: Laterne, Laterne; Ich gehe mit meiner Laterne; Durch die Strassen. These are our traditional German songs and there is a direct link to the lyrics on the Kinderschule Website Homepage, great for mobile phones.
Treats: Some small treats are given to children at homes where they sing their lantern songs.
Food: Sausage and Bun are available for purchase. We will also have mini-pretzels for munching, carrot stick and some small dessert.
Beverages: There will be beer and Glühwein for purchase, as well as sparkling water and a warm cider for children.
