St. Martinus in Groningen

St. Martinus, or St. Martin's Day, is a cherished celebration in Groningen that takes place on November 11th each year. The festival honors St. Martin, known for his compassion and generosity, particularly towards the less fortunate.

In Groningen, the festivities often include lantern parades, where children create colorful lanterns from fodder beets. This tradition not only promotes community spirit but also highlights the importance of sharing and caring for one another.

Local organizations, such as Volksvermaken, play a vital role in organizing events, workshops, and communal meals, reinforcing the message of kindness and togetherness during this festive season.

Distribution of Beets at the Vismarkt for St. Martinus

Saturday, November 2, 12:00-15:00: Fodder beet distribution at Vismarkt (OZ), Groningen

This year, on Saturday, November 2, a farmer's cart full of fodder beets will enter the city center of Groningen. Organ grinder Joris ten Have will accompany his Pronkjewail while playing music up to the head of the Vismarkt. Volksvermaken will distribute free fodder beets on the east side of the Vismarkt. There will be examples on-site showing how to make a St. Martinus lantern from a fodder beet. The distribution of the free fodder beets is in close cooperation with the Stichting Marktactiviteiten Groningen. In the week leading up to November 11, the beets will also be delivered to various primary schools and after-school care centers.

This year, Volksvermaken is distributing free fodder beets to the youth of Groningen on Saturday afternoon, November 2, from which they can create their own lanterns for St. Martinus.

St. Martin's Days in Groningen

The distribution of fodder beets at the Grote Markt is part of the St. Martin's Days taking place from November 2 to November 11. The central theme is ‘Sharing is the new having’. This aims to draw attention to poverty in Groningen.

Volksvermaken has organized an extensive program for these days.

St. Martin's Program

• Saturday, November 2, 12:00-15:00: Distribution of fodder beets at Vismarkt OZ (Volksvermaken)
• Monday, November 4, 18:30-20:30: Benefit meal at Martinikerk
• Tuesday, November 5, 17:30-19:30: Meal for the homeless at Martinikerk
• Wednesday, November 6, 14:30-17:00: Fodder beet lantern workshop at VRIJDAG, Walstraat 34 (Volksvermaken)
• Thursday, November 7, 19:00-22:00: “Trail of Light”, Martinikerk
• Saturday, November 9, 16:15-16:45: Parade with children and their lanterns, St. Martin and entourage, music corps Noordenveld Roden, and participants of the Pronkjewailpad and Gulden Martinusweg, from Hereplein to Martinikerk; children in attendance: 16:00-16:15 (Volksvermaken)
• Saturday, November 9, 17:00-18:00: Reception for walkers of Pronkjewailpad and Gulden Martinusweg at Martinikerk
• Saturday, November 9, 17:00-18:00: Lantern competition, singing, St. Martin's story, hot chocolate in the chapel and choir of Martinikerk (Volksvermaken)
• Monday, November 11, 11:00-16:00: Jacket and blanket drive
• Monday, November 11, 13:00-14:00: St. Martin's story “Thomas' Dream” by Frank Belt and Eeuwe Zijlstra organ at Martinikerk
• Monday, November 11, 17:00-17:30: St. Martin's Vesper at Martinikerk
• Monday, November 11, 18:00-21:00: Gathering of participants from Diaconale Tafel projects