Overview
- Hundreds of lantern processions are proceeding across North Rhine-Westphalia and other regions in the days leading up to Martinstag on 11 November.
- Several traditional routes in Leverkusen were removed from event listings shortly before the holiday, drawing parental criticism and an open letter from a local school association.
- The city of Leverkusen says decisions rested with organisers under safety requirements and commits to early consultations to support planning for next year.
- Large and special editions are drawing crowds, including Kempen expecting roughly 25,000–30,000 spectators, a sold‑out walk through Wuppertal Zoo, and cave tours that require electric lanterns.
- Organisers are emphasizing safety with LED over open flames and visible security at markets, while local schedules span the coming days from Berlin‑Spandau’s church‑led walks to parades and markets in Bielefeld, Witten and Duisburg.