Saint Martin's Day Date in the current year: November 11, 2024

Saint Martin of Tours originally was a roman soldier. He was baptized as an adult and became a monk. Saint Martin is said to have been a kind and sympathetic man who led a simple and quiet life. He was known as patron of the poor and friend of the children.

Saint Martin's Day originated in France, then spread across the Europe. The feast day of Saint Martin coincided with the end of the agrarian year, so it became kind of a harvest festival. One of the best known customs of the holiday is eating goose. In wine-producing regions, it is also the time to taste newly produced wine.

Saint Martin's Day is widely celebrated in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (especially Scotland). It is not a public holiday in these states, because it coincides with Armistice Day.

However, Saint Martin's Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Sint Maarten, that is located on the island named after the saint. It is also an official holiday in Burgenland, one of Austria's states.