Sint Maarten's Day

November 11th is St. Maarten's Day in Holland. It's very much like "trick-or-treat" in the US, without the costumes. Children go around with lanterns getting treats by ringing on the doorbells singing songs for which they are given tangerines or sweets.

Story of Sint Maarten

It was a dark & stormy night and Maarten was quite alone. He only had a cloak and a singular piece of bread. He was returning home when suddenly a poor and homeless man appeared in the darkness. Maarten felt pity for the man and gave him half his piece of bread, and half his cloak and offered him hospitality in his home. Now he is called St Maarten and is known for his kindness to the stranger. And, that's why the Dutch celebrate St. Maarten's Day!