Celebrating St. Maarten: A Tradition of Light and Sharing
On November 11, the Netherlands lights up with a beloved tradition: St. Maarten. While Halloween isn’t widely celebrated here, Dutch children enjoy their own night of lanterns, songs, and sweet treats. For expat families, it can even mean double the fun if you also celebrate Halloween!
A Tradition of Kindness
St. Maarten, or Saint Martin of Tours, was a Roman soldier known for his generosity, famously sharing his cloak with a beggar. His spirit of kindness lives on in this celebration, where children walk door-to-door with handmade lanterns, singing songs in exchange for treats. Unlike Halloween, there are no costumes or tricks, just light, music, and community.
How to Join In
If you’re new to the Netherlands, here’s what to expect:
- Children at the door: Kids, often with parents, sing songs while holding lanterns. If you’d like to take part, leave your porch light on. Prefer to skip it? Simply keep your lights off and curtains drawn.
- What to prepare: Stock up on small candies or chocolates. If you have young kids, they may make lanterns at school, but you can also buy or create your own (battery lights are safest).
- For children: Lanterns and songs are part of the fun. Most schools teach the classics, but you can find lyrics online if you want to practice at home.
Why It Matters
St. Maarten is more than just collecting candy it’s about light, sharing, and connection. As autumn days grow darker, this tradition brings neighborhoods together in a spirit of warmth and generosity.
So whether you’re handing out sweets, singing along, or simply enjoying the glowing lanterns, St. Maarten is a beautiful way to experience Dutch culture and community.