Every year on November 11th, St. Martin is celebrated in Germany. This is a traditional evangelical church festival to commemorate Saint Martin (the patron saint of beggars and soldiers). In South Africa we celebrate the festival in May/June and make our own lanterns, sing traditional German songs and then give the children delicious Martinsmännchen as presents.
There is mulled wine and other delicacies for the parents so that the get-together is really cozy. This traditional event also serves to support the kindergarten and the proceeds benefit the children.