Sint Maarten's Day
Sint Maarten's Day is held on November 11. St. Martin's Day: Sint Maarten, Kingdom of the Netherlands. This event in the second decade of the month November is annual. Help us
Countries all around the world have their own special traditions and, of course, the Netherlands is no different. Halloween has grown in popularity over the past few years, but the original knocking-on-door tradition here in the Netherlands is Sint-Maarten on November 11.
The Festival of Sint-Maarten is celebrated every year on November 11 in countries around the world, most notably Belgium, Germany, Northern France and, of course, the Netherlands. It is the name day of Martin of Tours, the third bishop of Tours, France, most known for the account of him using his military sword to cut his cloak in two, giving half to a freezing beggar in the middle of winter.
The celebration originated with the Catholic Church in France before gaining in popularity and spreading across Europe. The day is used to honour the life of St Martin, and was historically marked by a feast. Traditionally, the day also marked the end of autumn and the start of winter, and coincided with the annual harvest.
Similar holidays and events, festivals and interesting facts
Opening of carnival on November 11 ("Karneval"/"Fasching", on 11-11, at 11:11. Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries);
Statia Day, Sint Eustatius on November 16 (Caribbean Netherlands);
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands on December 5 (It is celebrated on the evening before Sinterklaas’ birthday on December 5, especially in families with little children);
St Nicholas Day on December 6 (International. The St. Nicholas/Santa Claus leaves little presents in children's shoesl);
Koninkrijksdag or Kingdom Day on December 16 (Aruba, Netherlands);
Second day of Christmas on December 26 (Western Christianity. Public holiday in the Netherlands, Poland, Norway)