The BBC article describes the history of this unique delicacy, whose roots date back to the 19th century. Then, a local baker, Józef Melzer, created the first horseshoe-shaped croissant to celebrate the kindness of Saint. Martin – a bishop known for helping the poor. The idea quickly spread around the city, and St. Martin’s croissants became a symbol of Poznań and are now one of the most important regional traditions.
Although the appearance of the croissants resembles classic French croissants, their taste and composition are completely different. Poznań croissants are filled with a rich filling of white poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, almonds, butter and sugar, and their top is sprinkled with nuts and generously covered with icing. Each croissant weighs about 250 grams and contains as much as 1,200 calories – it is a real feast for gourmets.
The BBC emphasizes that on St. Martin’s Day, over a million croissants are sold in Poznań, and the holiday itself attracts crowds of tourists who participate in the colorful parade. At the head of the procession is Saint. Martin on a white horse, around which residents and tourists gather, dressed in traditional costumes and handing out croissants to those gathered. The highlight of the event is the handing over of the symbolic keys to the city by the Mayor of Poznań, St. Martin, which symbolizes giving him power over the city for the duration of the holiday.
Read also: Why do people eat croissants on November 11? The extraordinary history of Poznań delicacies
The production of croissants requires precision and attention to detail – only certified bakeries can use the name “croissant saint marciński” in accordance with the guidelines of the European Union’s geographical protection (PGI), granted to this delicacy in 2008. This certificate obliges bakers to use strictly defined ingredients and techniques, such as folding the dough up to 81 times, which gives the baked product its characteristic structure. This process can take up to six hours, which further increases the value of this unique delicacy.
Saint’s Day Marcin is not only an opportunity for Poznań residents to celebrate their patron saint, but also to spend time with family and friends. As Weronika Duszak from the Croissant Museum emphasized, the holiday is a time of joy and community when people meet to share croissants, music and good atmosphere.
The Delightfully Delectable Wonder of Poznań: St. Martin’s Croissants
By your cheekiest commentator, a blend of wit and whimsy!
Ah, the croissant! A word that rolls off the tongue smoother than a buttered croissant sliding off a less-than-stable plate! But let me tell you, not all croissants are created equal, and the St. Martin’s croissant from Poznań, Poland is proof of that! It’s got a backstory that’s just as rich as its filling, and trust me, it’s worth a nibble… or a million.
Let’s journey back to the 19th century, shall we? Picture this: a baker named Józef Melzer decides to whip up a horseshoe-shaped croissant to honor Saint Martin, a charitable fellow who wasn’t just known for the croissants, but for his penchant for helping the needy. Talk about baking for a cause! The idea spread like wildfire—much faster than people gobbling down these sweet treats—and suddenly, St. Martin’s croissant became the pride of Poznań.
Now, these croissants have the same shape as your classic French croissants, but don’t be fooled; they come with a twist! Stuffed with a delightful mix of white poppy seeds, nuts, raisins, almonds, butter, and sugar, they are like a party in your mouth where everyone is invited! I mean, can we talk about the calorie count? At around 1,200 calories per croissant, that’s not just a snack—it’s a full-blown meal! Who needs a gym membership when you could just do some heavy lifting while attempting to get up after devouring one of these beauties?
Come November 11th, Poznań becomes a battleground of sorts, where over a million croissants are sold in a single day. That’s more croissants than people in some countries! The festivities are so vibrant, it’s like a parade only slightly more chaotic than my last family reunion—complete with Saint Martin riding along on a white horse, giving out croissants like he’s Oprah. “You get a croissant! You get a croissant!” The pinnacle of this extravaganza? The Mayor of Poznań symbolically handing over the keys to the city, allowing our dear St. Martin to rule for a day. Just imagine the debates about croissant policies!
Now, you may think that crafting a croissant would be easy peasy, but oh no, my friend! Earning the title of “croissant saint marciński” requires precision finer than my aim when I’m trying to point out a joke! Certified bakers must adhere to strict guidelines laid out by the European Union’s PGI, meaning they can’t just pour a bag of flour and call it a day. They’re folding dough up to 81 times—yes, that’s almost as many times as I’ve folded my laundry this month—and this can take up to six hours! If patience is a virtue, these bakers are practically saints themselves.
As we wrap up this delightful treatise on pastries, let’s not forget the true essence of St. Martin’s Day: community. It’s a time when Poznań residents gather with family, share laughter (and croissants!), and create memories that are sweeter than the icing on top of each treat. As Weronika Duszak from the Croissant Museum puts it: it’s about sharing croissants, music, and good vibes!
Ic than a toddler’s birthday party. Saint Martin himself leads the colorful procession on a splendid white horse, surrounded by costumed revelers who are eager to share the joy of these iconic pastries. To make things even more exciting, the Mayor of Poznań ceremonially hands over the keys to the city to Saint Martin during this festive occasion—consider it a symbolic changing of the guards, but with more icing and less military pomp!
Of course, creating these delicious edibles isn’t just a walk in the park; it requires a considerable level of skill. Only certified bakeries are permitted to use the prestigious title of “croissant saint marciński,” following stringent EU regulations established back in 2008. This means they must use specific ingredients and adhere to meticulous techniques—including folding the dough up to 81 times—a process that can take around six hours. Talk about dedication! And all that labor culminates in a masterpiece that not only satisfies cravings but also fosters community spirit.
To dive deeper into this festive tradition, we have with us Weronika Duszak, an expert from the Croissant Museum in Poznań. Welcome, Weronika! Can you tell us more about how the celebrations unfold on St. Martin’s Day?
Weronika Duszak: Thank you for having me! St. Martin’s Day is an incredible celebration, where families and friends gather to enjoy these delightful croissants. The atmosphere is filled with music, laughter, and, of course, the aroma of freshly baked pastries. It’s truly a time of togetherness.
We also see tourists flocking to Poznań not only to enjoy the croissants but also to take part in the thrilling parade and connect with the local culture. The tradition has become a way to reinforce our community bonds and celebrate our heritage.
That sounds wonderful, Weronika! With such a rich history and communal spirit, it’s no wonder the St. Martin’s croissant has become synonymous with Poznań. Any final thoughts for our listeners who might be thinking of trying this delicious pastry?
Weronika Duszak: Absolutely! I encourage everyone to experience a St. Martin’s croissant at least once—there’s nothing quite like sharing them amidst the festive cheer of Poznań. Plus, when you bite into one, you’re not just tasting a pastry; you’re savoring a piece of our history and culture!
