Jong Nederland Reusel celebrates St Martin’s Day.

Jong Nederland Reusel celebrates St Martin’s Day 

As is traditional, the feast of Saint Martin will once again be celebrated with a day full of games, fun and the lantern parade. 

Every year around 11 November, we at Jong Nederland Reusel celebrate St Martin’s Day in a cosy atmosphere – a tradition centred on light, sharing and being together. During the day, we start with all sorts of games, both indoors and outdoors. These include creative, active and themed games that young and old can join in with. Afterwards, we all sit down together at the table for a cosy communal meal.

When it gets dark, we gather with our homemade lanterns for the big parade. Together, we walk through the neighbourhood, accompanied by cheerful songs and lights. Many local residents come to watch or join in, creating a cosy, atmospheric procession where young and old come together. At the end of the procession, everyone gathers again at the log cabin for the finale: a short play about the story of Saint Martin, in which he shares his cloak with a poor vagrant – a beautiful, relatable message about helping and sharing.

One of the best parts of our St Martin’s Day celebrations is making your own lantern. Every child is free to let their imagination run wild. Using paper, glue, paint, felt-tip pens, glitter and, of course, a little light, they create the most unique little works of art.