The St. Martin’s Croissant, with its luscious white poppy seed filling, stands as a culinary tradition uniquely associated with Poznań and parts of Greater Poland. This delectable pastry is specially prepared for St. Martin’s Day on November 11th, becoming a central feature of the festivities along St. Martin’s Street in Poznań.
Historical Roots
The tradition of the St. Martin’s Croissant can be traced back to pagan times when autumnal feasts involved offering sacrifices of oxen to the gods, or pastries shaped like ox horns. The Latin Church adopted and adapted this custom, linking it to St. Martin. The pastry’s shape was interpreted to symbolize a horseshoe, supposedly lost by St. Martin’s horse.
A significant milestone in the croissant’s history was the advertisement published in the “Dziennik Poznański” on November 11, 1860. This is the earliest known advertisement for the St. Martin’s Croissant, evidencing the long-standing tradition of its preparation in Poznań.
Modern Certification
Today, bakeries and confectioneries in Poznań pride themselves on producing the authentic St. Martin’s Croissant. However, to officially use the name “St. Martin’s Croissant,” a bakery must be certified by the Chapter of the Poznań Traditional St. Martin’s Croissant. This initiative, established by the Poznań Guild of Confectioners and Bakers, the Chamber of Crafts, and the Poznań City Hall, ensures the preservation of the croissant’s traditional recipe and preparation methods. In 2015, 101 bakeries and confectioneries received this esteemed certification.
In a landmark decision on October 30, 2008, the European Commission registered the name “St. Martin’s Croissant” in the EU’s protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication register. This recognition underscores the croissant’s significance not only to Poznań and Poland but also to European culinary heritage.
A Culinary Phenomenon
The St. Martin’s Croissant has become more than just a pastry; it’s a phenomenon. On St. Martin’s Day, artisans affiliated with the Poznań Guild of Confectioners and Bakers sell an average of 250 tons of these croissants, translating to about 2.5 million pieces annually. Since 2007, Caritas of the Poznań Archdiocese has distributed the croissants, using the proceeds for various charitable causes. In 2016 alone, 20,000 croissants were sold for charity, demonstrating the community’s strong connection to this beloved pastry.
The St. Martin’s Croissant not only satisfies the sweet tooth of those who partake in its deliciousness but also serves as a symbol of Poznań’s rich cultural and historical heritage. As both a treat and a tradition, it continues to spread joy and generosity across the city and beyond.
