From St. Martin to carnival: 11 November is a holiday in the Netherlands
On 11 November, the Netherlands celebrates 2 special traditions. In the north and middle of the Netherlands, children celebrate Saint Martin, with lanterns and songs. In the south and east of the country, November 11 marks the start of the carnival season, a colourful celebration full of music and fun. In this article you can read how these feasts are celebrated.
The Feast of St. Martin
With homemade, colourful lanterns and traditional songs, children go door-to-door at night on 11 November to celebrate St. Martin's Day. They sing songs to the people at the door and receive sweet in return.
This tradition comes from Saint Martin of Tours, a French bishop from the 4th century. On a cold day, he gave half of his cloak to a poor man. This shows the importance of sharing and being kind. These values are central to St. Martin.
What happens during St. Martin?
Lantern making: Children make their lanterns beforehand from paper, cardboard or old plastic bottles. They often do this at school, but you can also make a lantern together at home. In stores you can buy LED lights on a stick. These lights are safe and easy to hold.
At the doors:After dark, children take to the streets with their lanterns. Young children (up to about 10 years old) usually go with their parents. Older children (up to about 12 years old) often go with friends.
Singing for sweets: At each house, children sing Saint Martin songs. In exchange, they receive sweets or fruit. Many people have a basket of sweets or tangerines ready on this night, from which the children may choose something.
The 11th of the 11th
On 11 November, people in the south and east of the Netherlands celebrate the "11th of the 11th." This is the start of the carnival season, but the real carnival does not come until February or March.
Carnival is a feast celebrated mainly in historically Catholic areas such as Limburg and North Brabant. Carnival announces the beginning of Lent. Although most people in the Netherlands no longer fast, they still celebrate this period with parades, floats and colourful costumes.
What happens on the 11th of the 11th?
Parties: Especially in Limburg and North Brabant, there are opening parties for the carnival season. Carnival associations are formed and there are many parties. People come together to dance and enjoy music. 11 is considered a "crazy" number and is therefore a day that fits well with the crazy nature of carnival.
Prince carnival is announced: Several municipalities elect their own prince carnival. Prince carnival leads the carnival. He often wears a colorful costume and plays an important role in parades and events.