Celebrating Sint Maarten: A Cozy Festival of Light for Kids and Families

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, children are looking forward to the evening when they will go on a wall with their lanterns illuminating the dark November evenings (Sint Maarten lampionoptocht). The Festival of Sint Maarten is the first “festival of light” of the darker season, and it’s a beloved event for families across the Netherlands, Belgium and some regions of Germany. Every year, kids can’t wait to grab their lanterns and join their friends on a festive walk through their neighborhoods, singing songs and sharing a sense of community as they light up the night.

The History Behind the Festival of Sint Maarten

Sint-Maarten, or Saint Martin's Day (Martinmas), celebrates Saint Martin of Tours, a compassionate Roman soldier who became known for his kindness and generosity. The most famous story tells of him sharing his cloak with a beggar on a cold winter night, while other companions ignored the poor. That night, the beggar appeared to Maarten in a dream, revealing himself as a vision of Christ. Inspired by this encounter, Maarten left the army, became a monk, and later a bishop, dedicating his life to helping the poor. Over time, this tradition evolved into a day to celebrate acts of kindness, often observed with lantern-lit processions and joyful gatherings.

Lanterns: A Creative Tradition

The lanterns (Dutch: lampions), play central role in celebration of Sint Maarten. Traditionally, some families would carve pumpkins into lanterns as a nod to historical customs, while others prefer paper lanterns that kids craft themselves. In schools and homes, children enjoy designing and decorating their lanterns, using paper, paint, and sometimes even recycled materials. These creative projects foster excitement for the holiday and give kids a chance to add their personal touch, making each lantern unique and special.

Singing Songs of Kindness

No Sint Maarten celebration is complete without the lively songs children sing as they walk from house to house. “Sinte, Sinte Maarten” is always a favorite, a song that never fails to bring joy. If you're looking to add some variety, consider introducing beautiful, lesser-known songs like “Ik loop hier al met mijn lantaren” or “Elf november.” These tunes are simple to learn and will surely positively surprise your neighbors during the Sint Maarten stroll. Lyrics and tunes can be found on Vrijeschoolliederen.nl.

Ik loop hier al met mijn lantaren

Ik loop hier met mijn lantaarn
En mijn lantaarn met mij
Daarboven stralen de sterren
Beneden stralen wij
Mijn licht gaat aan, ik loop vooraan
Rabimmel rabammel rabom
Mijn licht gaat uit, ik ga naar huis
Rabimmel rabammel rabom

Books to Read in Anticipation of Sint Maarten

To help build excitement for the day, here are a few lovely books that parents and children can read together in the days leading up to Sint Maarten:

1. "Sint-Maarten en het Beertje" by M. Dusíková and A. Schneider - A charming story of Saint Martin’s spirit of kindness, perfect for young readers.
2. "Lichtjes voor Sint-Maarten" by Jennine Staring - This beautifully illustrated book captures the joy of celebrating with lanterns, giving kids a colorful glimpse into the holiday’s traditions.
3. "Tessel viert Sint-Maarten" by Marianne Witte - A delightful story following Tessel’s excitement and preparations for the holiday, capturing the magic and warmth of the celebration.

These stories can help children understand the holiday’s history, traditions, and themes of kindness and sharing, deepening their appreciation for Sint Maarten as they prepare for their own night of light and song.

So, as Sint Maarten approaches, gather your crafting supplies, choose a favorite song, and get ready to enjoy this cozy, heartwarming celebration with your family!