November 11th is Saint Martin
November 11th is Saint Martin 's Day, especially in countries with a Catholic tradition such as Portugal, Spain and France. This date honors Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church, known for his kindness and generosity. According to legend, Martin was a Roman soldier who, on a cold night, encountered a beggar shivering with cold. Without hesitation, he cut his cloak in half and shared it with the man. Later, he had a vision of Jesus wearing the half of the cloak he had given to the beggar, which inspired him to leave the military life and become a monk. In Portugal, it is traditional to roast chestnuts, taste new wine and hold "magustos" with friends and family. In Central Europe and in some regions of Germany, the date is marked by processions with lanterns and bonfires, remembering Saint Martin's act of generosity.
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