Was ist los in Franken? Nov. 11, 2016

Martinstag (Photo: Martin Werner/Kindermissionswerk)

ANSBACH, Germany (Nov. 11, 2016) – “Was ist los in Franken?” details off-post community events and activities occurring throughout Middle, Lower and Upper Franconia.

Martin’s Day – A German tradition
Martinstag or Martini on 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 November 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 Kindergarten and 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. on Nov. 11.

The 12th Night of Blues – Songs & Heartbreak Music – Nürnberg
A blues night takes place at Hubertussaal Nürnberg (Dianastrasse 28) Nov. 12, starting at 8 p.m. To learn more, visit Blues Night

Converted – Cover Rock Party in Ansbach
The cover band Converted plays all the greats of rock music on Nov. 12, starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Kammerspiele Ansbach (Maximilianstr. 29). To learn more, visit Kammerspiele

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) on November 13 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 KKC

Nativity Scenes in Handwerkerhof Nürnberg
Old Nürnberg crafts tradition can be admired in the Nürnberger Handwerkerhof (Königstor, next to the big tower across from the Hauptbahnhof) from Nov. 16 through Dec. 30 when the nativity scene exhibition is once again opened for the season. Small stores and craft shops offer toys, decorations and much more, while typical Franconian restaurants open their doors to the hungry visitors. The Handwerkerhof is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., the stores open 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Admission to the exhibition is free. To learn more, go to Handwerkerhof

The Wake Woods play in Ansbach
The rock band “Wake Woods’ is scheduled to perform in Ansbach Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. in the Kammerspiele Ansbach (Maximilianstrasse 29); to learn more, visit Kammerevents

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. 18 through 20. 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 (children under 4 years enter for free); parking is free and close by. To learn more, visit Winterträume

Erlangen on Ice
The public ice skating rink on Marktplatz (between Paulibrunnen and Palais Stutterheim) in Erlangen opens on Nov. 19; the rink, located near the Christmas market, is open daily until Jan. 8. Skates are for rent for 3 euros, admission is free. Opening hours are Monday through Friday 2 – 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 24 and 31 it’s 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 1 noon to 9 p.m. To learn more about Erlangen Christmas activities, go to Erlangen

Second Hand Bazaars for Parents
Parents are cleaning out the closets of their ever-growing offspring and take it to numerous “Kinderbasars” or “Baby-Basars” happening in the area. Look for posters or flyers in your community advertising the bazaars for second hand clothing, toys and equipment; usually they take place on a Saturday afternoon in the local church annex, school or community center.

Fall and Winter Bazaar
A fall and winter bazaar for children’s clothing, toys and more takes place in Feucht in the TSV04 Feucht sports gym (Segersweg 9, 90537 Feucht) Sunday, Nov. 20 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.