November 10 is St. Martin's day, and Erfurt holds an annual festival in celebration of St. Martin, their patron saint, as well as their beloved Protestant "saint" and namesake, Martin Luther. Everyone goes down to the Domplatz (Cathedral Square) carrying lanterns, drinking warm spiced wine (Glühwein) and eating the special pastries, Martinshörchen, which were awesome. Very festive event at the market on the square, with a band playing German music.
Then on the steps to the cathedral began a play in which Martin Luther and St Martin came down from the cathedral and spoke to everyone. Gotta love actors. Gave some good messages to take away, most of which I didnt fully understand. And then St. Maria came down as well and started talking, asking the people to raise their lanterns, which was pretty cool to see all of the lights together. Apparently later on, the kids can go door to door with their lanterns and get candy, just like Halloween, but in a more religious way.
After the ceremony, we went to a traditional restaurant to eat Martins Ganz, a specially cooked goose. A special meal on St. Martins day every year, but not available at the market with the pastries and other goodies. Quite delicious, although a big on the fatty side. Lots of people were at the restaurant coming from the celebration so it was a lively time.
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