Was ist los in Franken? Nov. 10, 2017

ANSBACH, Germany (Nov. 10, 2017) – “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout the Franconian region.

St. Martin on his horse (Photo: Finsinger Alm)

Martin’s Day – A German tradition
Martinstag or Martini Nov. 11 commemorates St. Martin (ca. 317-397), Bishop of Tours, one of the most revered European saints. The best-known legend connected with Saint Martin is the dividing of the cloak; Martin, then a soldier in the Roman army, tore his cloak in two pieces to share it with a freezing beggar at Amiens. Later in life he became a bishop. Although Martinstag is a Catholic observance, German Protestants also consider Nov. 11 a special day, the christening day of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546). The protestant “Pelzemärtl” brings Franconian children little gifts.
Many towns and villages organize lantern parades for elementary school kids, complete with a St. Martin on horseback and a beggar. Often a small market is connected to the holiday (not a federal holiday). Very popular is also the traditional goose dinner on Martin’s Day. For Carnival fans the day also marks the beginning of the Fasching season, starting exactly at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 11.

Martini Markt Bad Windsheim
Bad Windsheim is hosting a Martini market Nov. 11 downtown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lantern parade in Bad Windsheim
A lantern parade for children and parents takes place Nov. 11 in Bad Windsheim; starting point is the parking lot of the open air museum at 5 p.m., ending up at Marktplatz.  After a St. Martin play a large bonfire and music close out the evening.

Lights on at Freilandmuseum Bad Windsheim
The Freilandmuseum Bad Windsheim (Eisweiherweg 1) hosts an event taking visitors through the historical development of light sources and use in the country Nov. 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. To learn more, go to Freilandmuseum.

Martinimarkt – Neustadt a.d. Aisch
The Martini market of Neustadt-Aisch is scheduled for Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; stores will be open from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Martini-Jahrmarkt – Dinkelsbühl
The Dinkelsbühl Martini market takes place on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; shops are also open from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Winter Dreams at Faber-Castell Castle in Stein
A seasonal market with entertainment and winter themed activities takes place at the castle park in Stein Nov. 17 through 19. Gourmets can sample European delicatessen, a winter wonderland inspires decoration for the holidays. The Faber-Castell castle is located along B14 in Stein (entrance on Rednitzstraße 2a). Admission tickets range from 8 euros for adults to 1 euro for children under 12; parking is free and close by. To learn more, visit Winterträume.

Markt der Ideen in Fürth
The market of ideas Nov. 17 at Stadthalle (Rosenstrasse 50) gives artists and vendors the opportunity to show off their goods. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. visitors can find an assortment of handmade products, including decorative items for the home and garden, pictures, glass and Christmas decoration. To learn more, go to http://www.bamberg-veranstaltungen.de/veranstaltung218104

Adventsmarkt in Bad Windsheim
Bad Windsheim is hosting a pre-seasonal advent market in the Kur & Kongress-Center (KKC on Erkenbrechtallee 2, next to the spa) Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can find home-made seasonal products, Christmas decoration, jewelry, pottery, candles or wood carvings, and get in the mood for the holidays with seasonal music, St. Nikolaus and other entertainment. Admission for the market is 2 euros, children up to 12 years of age enter for free. To learn more, also go to www.kkc-tagen.de

Musical Christmas in Rothenburg
The Reichsstadthalle in Rothenburg (Spitalhof 8) is site of a musical Christmas performance Nov. 24 at 8 p.m. The audience is treated to German and international seasonal songs and highlights from well-known musicals. To learn more, visit Rothenburg Musical Christmas

The information on local host nation events is provided through the auspices of the USAG Ansbach Public Affairs Office (PAO). All details provided are for informational purposes only and are a representation of typical events conducted in the local community. The PAO grants no element of exclusivity to any outside agency or business and any reference to commercial or retail activities implies no endorsement or recommendation by the U. S. Army or its agencies. Participation in any event or activity described herein is strictly voluntary and should be done so only after careful advisement and consideration of the safety and security environment at each specific location.