The Saint Martin’s Day parade is one of the highlights of the year for our kindergarten and elementary school children. Weeks before the event, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air: the classes were busy crafting, singing, and practicing. Colorful lanterns were made, and the Saint Martin’s songs grew louder and louder as the big day approached.
On November 14, the day finally arrived. The children in the Rainbow Fish group handed out homemade cookies in their traditional goose costumes in the morning, and although it rained in the afternoon, the sky cleared up just in time for the start of the celebration, creating perfect conditions for an atmospheric evening.
As planned, the celebration began with a picnic outdoors. A big thank you goes to all the parents who put a lot of effort and love into preparing the food for a wonderful buffet. While the picnic was still in progress, our third-grade class made their way to the nearby retirement home, where they performed a specially rehearsed song for the residents.
Afterwards, the entire school community moved to the church. The two Flex classes opened the program with the song “Wisst ihr, warum wir Sankt Martin feiern?” and thus created a festive start to the evening. They were followed by the kindergarten children, who presented two songs: “Durch die Straßen auf und nieder” and “Millionen Sterne”. With their clear voices and shining eyes, they touched everyone in the audience.
Finally, grades 3 and 4 took to the stage. The song “Lichterkinder” (Children of Light), sung together with the audience, created a special goosebump moment. The glow sticks that had been distributed beforehand lit up the church and transformed it into a sparkling sea of lights – a magical moment that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Then it was time for the highlight of the evening: the lantern parade. The paths across the McKean grounds were dry, the air was clear, and the colorful lanterns reflected brightly in the darkness of the night. Accompanied by guitar music and cheerful singing, the children proudly paraded past with their homemade lanterns, each one a small work of art.
At the end, all the families gathered around the campfire. With crackling flames, fragrant bread on a stick, and many beaming children’s eyes, the evening came to a close in a cozy atmosphere.
It was an all-around successful celebration—an atmospheric experience that impressively demonstrated the bond between our entire school community.
