11.11 is being celebrated in Germany and many other parts of Europe, too. However, it’s not about Singles Day - the biggest Shopping Festival - but about a kind-hearted Roman soldier who lived in the 4th century called Saint Martin. According to the legend, Saint Martin rode past a freezing beggar in the depth of winter. The man had neither shoes nor warm clothes on. Martin had no money or food to offer the poor man. Full of compassion, he cut his warm coat with his sword into two, giving one half to the man and saving him from freezing to death. Some of the poor children of the town witnessed the event and ran back with their lanterns to tell their parents what they saw. This is how the tradition of the “Laternen Fest” has started. Especially for children, it is a very magical moment to participate at lantern processions (“Laternen Fest”) with their handmade lanterns taking place every year in the evening of 11.11 to celebrate Saint Martin and his great act of charity. Amid a populist zeitgeist that nurtures on hate, separation & ignorance, we thought there is no better time than now to remind us of kindness, compassion & LOVE! In this shared spirit, we want to dedicate this year’s autumn lights party to Saint Martin and invite you to come over for a cozy yet bright Friday evening (7pm – late) under beautifully glowing red lanterns and great music delivered to you by some of Beijing’s best DJs! We will keep you warm with red blankets and a bar in our cozy outdoor courtyard, where we will serve our famous hot Gluehwine & delicious roasted chestnuts. As Saint Martin is not only the patron of the poor, but also of the winemakers, we are going to have a whole night happy hour on our wines at RMB 50 per glass. Let’s dance under red lanterns and celebrate the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair by sending our positive vibes to the universe together!
Guloudongdajie No.46, Dongcheng District, 100009 Beijing, P.R. China 中国北京东城区鼓楼东大街46号