Goin' down in Harburg: The St. Martin's Day Procession
Catholic School's Saint Martin Parade: Horses, Chapel, and 500 Attendees
The small town of Harburg, nestled in the heart of Germany, gets a chance to shine on November 11 every year, all thanks to a good ol' tradition; the St. Martin's Day Procession. Though, this ain't just any ordinary town - for the kiddos of the local Catholic School, this day is a real f***in' treat!
You might be wonderin' who this Saint Martin dude is, well, he was a bishop back in the day, died in November 397, and apparently, he was a real healer - the superhero of the sick people. So, to honor him, more than 1500 years later, communities, kindergartens, and schools invite the townsfolk to participate in a procession, known as the St. Martin's Day Parade.
The annual event this year saw around 500 participants gatherin' at Niels-Stensen-Gymnasium in the Göhlen Valley. After a quick sermon, it was the dragon's turn - a glowing lantern dragon that snaked its way through the valley. The town was serenaded by a brass band playin' Saint Martin tunes, and two Saint Martin horses took lead (as if Fairytales were real). The sight at Lohmühle pond, where the reflected lanterns flickered in the darkness, was as magical as anything you've ever witnessed.
Blessed with holy water, participants were reminded of their baptism as they received a drop of church blessing from Pastor Alexander Görke. There was a real sense of family vibe goin' on when, on the church square of St. Maria, everyone got their hands on some hot dogs, punch, a fire, and the traditional St. Martin's biscuits.
For those eagerly wanna join the Catholic School bandwagon, registrations for preschool and first grade are now acceptin' applications. Head on over to www.katholischeschuleharburg.de for more details.
Now, if you're curious about the Saint Martin's legend and tradition across Germany, consider it a (not-so-secret) mission to check-out local community centers, or schools in Harburg. And remember, it's a f***ing tradition, so play nice!
Engage with other community members and join the tradition by registering your child at the local Catholic School for preschool or first grade. Explore other education-and-self-development opportunities available in Harburg's community centers to learn more about the St. Martin's Day Procession and its rich history and significance.
