St. Martin's Celebration with a Lantern Procession and St. Martin's Bonfire

The city of Zittau and local church congregations invite you to a St. Martin's celebration with a lantern procession and St. Martin's bonfire, which will take place on November 11, 2026, at St. John's Church (Johanniskirche) and on the town square in Zittau.

Every November, on the feast of St. Martin, we commemorate the kind and humanitarian deeds of the Roman legionary Martin of Tours (316–397). According to legend, in the bitter winter cold, he shared his cloak with a hungry and freezing beggar.

The idea of sharing and the joy that it can bring not only to others but also to oneself is an important message of this story. Symbolically, a St. Martin's bonfire is lit to warm and bring light, and St. Martin's rolls (Martinshörnchen) are shared with one another.

This year, children, parents, and grandparents will meet at 16:30 at Zittau's Johanniskirche, where a St. Martin's play will take place, followed by singing together. Afterwards, everyone will head to the square with lanterns in hand. There, a warm St. Martin's bonfire will await the participants at approximately 17:15. By the small stage near the town hall, visitors will be welcomed by the brass band of the Eichgraben Volunteer Fire Department.

Everyone, young and old, is cordially invited to come to Zittau on November 11, 2026, with their lanterns to experience the St. Martin's story together with others at Johanniskirche, light up part of the city center with their lanterns, and subsequently end the St. Martin's day by a warm bonfire.

Program

16:30
St. Martin's play and singing together at Johanniskirche in Zittau

From 17:00
St. Martin's lantern procession

Approximately 17:15
Arrival of the procession at the square, St. Martin's bonfire and a musical performance by the brass band of the Eichgraben Volunteer Fire Department, sharing St. Martin's rolls, handover of the collection proceeds, free children's punch for all participants, and mulled wine for sale.

This year's charity collection: Christian Hospice of Upper Lusatia

Even before the celebration itself, all those interested are invited to support this year's charity project.

The Siloah Stationary Hospice in Herrnhut is a place of life for the seriously ill and dying from all over Upper Lusatia. This facility of the Christliches Hospiz Ostsachsen company needs our support so that it can continue to care for people with dignity in the final phase of life and also accompany their loved ones.

We ask for financial contributions for this work of Christian neighborly love.

Bank details for donations:

Christliche Hospiz Ostsachsen gGmbH
Sparkasse Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien
BIC: WELADED1 GRL
IBAN: DE60 8505 0100 3000 1155 19

Payment reference: “Stationäres Hospiz Siloah”

The organizers look forward to a high turnout and thank everyone in advance for their willingness to contribute.

Donations can be sent in advance to the stated bank account or handed over directly on November 11, 2026, at the church or on the square after the procession. The collected contributions will then be handed over directly to Christliche Hospiz Ostsachsen gGmbH.

Thank you very much!