NEWS

A Sea of Atmospheric Lights at the International German School Hefei

The darkness of November was brightened in a special way last week as the IGS hosted its inaugural lantern walk. The evening was dedicated to lights and community, offering all guests a magical experience.

The lantern parade is a key event of St. Martin’s Day, a traditional European festival popular in Germany, the Netherlands, France and other countries. It embodies the joy of harvest and sharing, as well as people’s yearning for light and warmth.

For weeks, the children had crafted their lanterns with great enthusiasm, and these creations revealed their unique glow during the festive procession at dusk. The sight of these luminous works of art lining the path across the school grounds was a true highlight.

But it wasn’t just the lanterns that filled the evening with warmth and atmosphere. A cozy bonfire invited guests to gather, linger, and share in the wonder. A particularly heartfelt gesture came from the kindergarten: our youngest community members had baked diligently and handed out homemade cookies to visitors, big and small—a sweet symbol of community and joy.

The school community looks back on an exceptionally atmospheric evening that brought together parents, families, friends, and guests.

We thank everyone who contributed to this wonderful celebration and are already looking forward to next year, when the lanterns will once again light up the darkness.