Sint Maarten - the Dutch Halloween

On the evening of 11 November, in some parts of the Netherlands, children carrying lanterns walk in groups and go door-to-door singing age-old folk songs in return for candy. This is to celebrate Saint Martin's day, and many neighbourhoods in The Hague organise this for the younger children. This happens usually around Vogelwijk, Koningsplein, Huygenspark, and Statenkwartier, but most neighbourhoods organise their own little route (you will find instructions in your mailbox). If you have school-going children, it is a great way to get to know other kids in the neighbourhood. Parents are of course welcome to chaperone and get to know the neighbours as well.

What do I have to do?

Other than a lantern for your children, there really isn't much to it. You will probably hear about this a week before from a neighbour, in your mailbox, or from the neighbourhood newsletter, where instructions will be given about the route and how to participate. It usually starts around 18:00 and if you would like to have the children sing at your door, you will have to light a candle and prepare some candy to give away.

Origins of Saint Martin's day

Saint Martin’s day is the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. He was known as friend of the children and patron of the poor. In the past, the poor would visit farms to ask for donations of food for the winter. But it has evolved in the Netherlands to become a night of celebration for the children.