As an expat from outside the EU, joining local celebrations can be a wonderful way to understand Dutch culture and connect with your community. One such tradition is St. Martin’s Day (Sint Maarten), celebrated every year on November 11th.
In many regions across the country, children walk through the streets carrying colorful lanterns, singing songs, and knocking on doors to collect sweets, much like “trick-or-treat” on Halloween, but with a distinct Dutch charm.
So, if you were missing the sight of trick-or-treaters during Halloween, now might be your chance to experience a Dutch spin on the custom.
What is St. Martin’s Day?
On November 11th, children go door to door performing songs with lit paper laterns in exchange for a sweet.
Historically, the holiday originated with the Catholic Church in France and was meant to celebrate the life and name day of Saint Martin of Tours.
Remembered for splitting his cloak in two to aide a freezing beggar, the day honoring the saint generally involved a mass and feast.
Over time, the religious meaning of the day has faded, and it has evolved into a cheerful celebration of light, generosity, and community. Today, St. Martin’s Day remains a beloved children’s tradition and mainly celebrated in the northern and central parts of the Netherlands.
While not every city celebrates Sint Maarten, in places where it’s still alive, the festive atmosphere brings together families, neighbors, and visitors alike.
How the Dutch Celebrate St. Martin’s Day
Whether you have just moved to The Netherlands for work, study or family, getting to join in on local traditions and celebrations can help immerse you into Dutch culture.
Here is what you can expect:
Utrecht’s St. Martin’s Celebrations
Utrecht is one of the most vibrant cities to experience St. Martin’s Day. Each year, the city hosts a week of events around the theme of light and togetherness.
This year you can join in on the St. Martins’s Day festivities at the St. Martin Parade in Utrecht on November 8th.
You can join or watch the parade through the city centre of Utrecht and on the canals. Participants (open for all to join) carry glowing paper lanterns, accompanied by choirs, musicians, and theater groups.
According to members of the Social Arts Society that coordinate the annual parade, this year you can expect “a sparkling festival of large and smaller lights, the parade procession runs through the centre of Utrecht and everyone is welcome.”
With a week of activities in honor of Sint Maarten around Utrecht, this can also be a fun time to discover a historical and expat-friendly city
How Expats Can Join In
Even if you didn’t grow up with St. Martin’s Day, it’s a lovely and low-key introduction to Dutch traditions.
Why It Matters for Expats
For internationals working and living in the Netherlands, St. Martin’s Day is more than just a cultural curiosity, it’s a moment to connect with your surroundings. It offers an easy way to step outside the expat bubble and experience a genuine piece of Dutch community life.
Participating (even in small ways) helps build local connections and gives you a sense of belonging, an important part of settling into Dutch society.
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