Laternen Parade
- What
- Laternen Parade
- When
- 11/14/2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Where
- German School BISC
✨ St. Martin’s Laternenumzug
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Ich geh’ mit meiner Laterne und meine Laterne mit mir…
Join the German School of Charlotte for one of our most beloved German traditions — the St. Martin’s Laternenumzug!
Our students and families will come together with their colorful lanterns for a celebration of light, kindness, sharing, and community. For many of us who grew up in Germany, the Laternenumzug is one of those special childhood memories we never forget. At DSC, we are proud to pass that experience — and the traditions behind it — on to the next generation.
A Little History of St. Martin
The tradition celebrates St. Martin of Tours, a fourth-century Roman soldier who later became a bishop. According to the famous story, Martin encountered a poor man suffering in the cold. Having little else to give, Martin took his sword, cut his warm military cloak in two, and gave half to the man.
His simple act of compassion became an enduring symbol of Nächstenliebe — kindness, generosity, and caring for others.
St. Martin's Day is traditionally observed on November 11, the date of Martin's burial in 397. Over the centuries, children in Germany and other parts of Europe began marking the occasion with handmade lanterns, songs, and processions through their communities. Today, German kindergartens and schools continue the tradition, with children proudly carrying the lanterns they have made and singing familiar Martinslieder along the way.
Bringing a Little Piece of Germany to Charlotte
Our Laternenumzug is about more than carrying lanterns. It gives our children an opportunity to experience German culture firsthand — to sing the songs, learn the stories, share the traditions, and create the same memories that generations of children have enjoyed before them.
So bring your Laterne, bring your family, and bring your singing voice!
Together, we will fill our German School with light and remind our children of the simple lesson at the heart of St. Martin's story: A little kindness can bring a lot of light into someone else's world.
Wir freuen uns auf euch!
German School of Charlotte
Saturday, November 14, 2026
11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne! ✨