Laternenfest

Every year on 11th November known as St. Martin's Day, young children all over Germany celebrate Laternenfest (lantern festival) with paper lanterns in honour of Saint Martin of Tours, a Roman solider, who, according to legend, gave half of his cloak that he cut with his sword, to a beggar in a snowstorm. As an adult, he was baptised and became a monk. Martin was later made a saint for being a kind man and a friend of children and a patron to the poor. 

Here some of the BBS Kindergarten children act out the story of St. Martin, as he gives half of his cloak to the beggar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year BBS were able to put on the Laternenfest once more. In the weeks leading up to the Laternenfest, the children enjoyed making their own paper lanterns at school in preparation for the lantern parade in the streets. Sometimes a man dresses as St. Martin with a long cloak who leads the parade on horseback. 

The children enjoyed creating their own lanterns ready for the late afternoon parade in the dark.

The children enjoyed creating their own lanterns ready for the late afternoon parade in the dark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because BBS is situated in the middle of the Grunewald forest, the children took their Laternenfest parade out into the forest.

An incredible amount of preparation went into the organisation, with the PTA and parents organising the food donations. There were hot dogs, fruit, donuts, cookies, sweets, and coffee or hot chocolate to drink. 

It was a very enjoyable occasion for all, especially for all our Kita children, who have been looking forward to this event for weeks.