When does the 51st Freising Martins Parade take place?

The Martins Parade takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The gathering begins at 5:30 PM on Freising's Marienplatz.

Where does the Martins Parade start?

The starting point is Marienplatz 7 in 85354 Freising. From there, the parade leads through the old town to Domberg.

What is the cost to participate?

Participation in the Freising Martins Parade is free.

What highlights can visitors expect?

The program includes communal singing, Martins stories, the lantern parade with Saint Martin on horseback, cloak sharing, the Martini fire, and an ecumenical blessing.

Should families bring their own lanterns?

Yes, families are invited to accompany the Martins Parade with self-made lanterns.

Is the event held indoors or outdoors?

The Martins Parade leads through the Freising old town to Domberg and predominantly takes place outdoors. Weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.

Freising Martins Parade: Lantern Light, Cloak Sharing, and Charity for the Whole Family

Name: 51st Freising Martins Parade
Start: 2026-11-08T17:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-08T19:00:00+01:00
Location: Marienplatz Freising

51st Freising Martins Parade: A Radiant Festival of Charity

When on November 8, 2026, the first lanterns shine on Freising's Marienplatz, a special faith experience begins for children, families, and all those who wish to experience Christian traditions in an open spiritual community. The traditional Martins Parade connects prayer, music, communal singing, and the message of sharing into an impressive religious experience.

Lantern Light and Martins Songs in the Old Town

Starting at 5:30 PM, participants gather on Marienplatz. Together, they sing Martins songs and read stories about Saint Martin. Numerous self-made lanterns bathe Freising's city center in a warm, festive light, creating an atmosphere of tranquility, reflection, and familial connection.

Saint Martin on Horseback

Around 6:00 PM, the Martins Parade moves through the historic old town towards Domberg. Leading the lantern parade is Saint Martin on horseback. The journey is musically accompanied by the City Band of Freising, the youth wind orchestra of the music school, the Freising dance music, and the Lerchenfeld brass band.

Sharing of the Cloak, Martini Fire, and Ecumenical Blessing

On Domberg, families are greeted by the play of the legendary cloak-sharing before the illuminated cathedral. The portrayal reminds of the Christian tradition of sharing and active charity. Afterwards, the big Martini fire is lit in front of the Mission Cross. Spiritual representatives of the Catholic and Protestant churches provide the ecumenical blessing for the children.

Community, Music, and Lived Charity

The Freising Martins Parade is organized by the Freising City Music School in collaboration with the city's heritage conservation and is marked by ecumenism. Children's choirs, altar servers, schools, clubs, emergency services, and many committed helpers contribute to the success of the evening. At the end, children traditionally receive Otto-Semoser rolls. Donations for the benefit of the Freising food bank are accepted by the altar servers.

Admission is free. Families are invited to bring their own lanterns and walk the path together through the Freising old town to Domberg. Since the Martins Parade takes place outdoors, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.

Conclusion

The 51st Freising Martins Parade offers children and adults a festive faith experience with lantern light, music, Christian symbolism, and lived solidarity. Those who wish to not only hear the message of Saint Martin but experience it in a moving religious community should witness this special evening live in Freising.