The St. Martin’s Croissant (Rogal Świętomarciński) is more than a pastry in Poznań — it’s a symbol of generosity, tradition, and community pride. Every year on 11th November, while Poland commemorates Independence Day, the people of Poznań celebrate their city’s patron saint, St. Martin, with a unique twist. This delicious croissant, filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruit, is a key part of the festivities, connecting the past with the present.
The History Behind St. Martin’s Croissant
The tradition of baking St. Martin’s Croissants goes back to 1891, when Father Jan Lewicki of St. Martin’s Church (Kościół pw. św. Marcina) encouraged his parishioners to do something charitable in the spirit of their patron, St. Martin. Inspired by the saint’s famous act of cutting his cloak in half to share with a beggar, local baker Józef Melzer decided to bake crescent-shaped pastries filled with a rich white poppy seed filling. These pastries, which we now call St. Martin’s Croissants, were distributed to the poor after church services, and the tradition quickly spread.
Each year, more bakers joined in, creating what is now a hallmark of Poznań’s celebration on 11th November. The croissants became a beloved symbol of sharing and community, with wealthier residents purchasing them and the less fortunate receiving them for free. Today, St. Martin’s Croissant remains a staple of Poznań’s cultural heritage.
The Legend of the Crescent Shape
According to local legend, the shape of the St. Martin’s Croissant is inspired by a vision. A Poznań baker dreamt of St. Martin riding his horse through the city, losing a horseshoe in the shape of a crescent along the way. Inspired by this dream, the baker created a pastry that mirrored the shape of the horseshoe, and the tradition of baking crescent-shaped croissants was born. While this story adds a magical touch to the origins, the croissant’s unique shape has become an iconic feature of the celebration.
Protected Status: A Prestigious Pastry
In 2008, the St. Martin’s Croissant was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union. This prestigious certification ensures that only croissants baked in Poznań or designated areas of the Greater Poland region, following the traditional recipe, can be sold as Rogale Świętomarcińskie (St. Martin’s Croissants). The PGI status guarantees the authenticity of the croissants, protecting their recipe, which includes white poppy seeds, almonds, walnuts, and dried fruit, all wrapped in semi-puff pastry.
Only certified bakeries in Poznań are allowed to produce these croissants under the official name. They must follow strict guidelines to ensure the quality and traditional methods are upheld, maintaining the high standards that have been associated with St. Martin’s Croissants for over a century.
Recipe for St. Martin’s Croissants
While the exact recipe for certified St. Martin’s Croissants is a closely guarded secret, the general process involves making a semi-puff pastry and filling it with a rich blend of white poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. Here’s a simplified version of the traditional recipe:
For the Dough:
• 1 kg wheat flour
• 6 eggs
• 250g butter
• 50g yeast
• 1 cup milk
For the Filling:
• 100g white poppy seeds
• 200g almonds and walnuts
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• Citrus peel, raisins, and cream
The dough is rolled out and filled with the poppy seed mixture before being shaped into crescents and baked. The croissants are then glazed with icing and sprinkled with chopped nuts, creating a flaky, sweet, and nutty treat.
If you’d like to experience this process up close, a visit to the Rogalowe Muzeum Poznania (St. Martin’s Croissant Museum) is a must. Located in Poznań’s Old Market Square, the museum offers interactive workshops where visitors can learn to make their own St. Martin’s Croissant under the guidance of expert bakers. Through engaging and humorous live shows, guests also discover the history of the croissant and Poznań’s unique traditions. It’s a perfect way to experience the city’s culture while mastering the art of making this beloved pastry.
11th November in Poznań: More than Independence Day
While the rest of Poland observes 11th November as Independence Day, in Poznań, it also marks the Feast of St. Martin. The celebrations begin with a colourful parade down St. Martin Street, led by a costumed St. Martin on horseback. The parade makes its way to the Imperial Castle, where the mayor hands over the symbolic keys to the city to St. Martin, kicking off a day filled with festivities.
Throughout the day, locals and visitors alike enjoy music, performances, and of course, the iconic St. Martin’s Croissant. It is estimated that around 300 tons of croissants are consumed during this time, with bakeries and market stalls selling the pastries to everyone in the city.
The Best Places to Try St. Martin’s Croissants in Poznań
If you’re in Poznań during November, there’s no better time to indulge in a St. Martin’s Croissant. Here are some of the best places to find both traditional and non-traditional versions:
Certified Traditional Croissants:
- Cukiernia Karpicko – Known for its authentic, certified croissants, with multiple locations around Poznań.
- Cukiernia Elite – A bakery that balances tradition with modern flavours, popular among locals.
- Cukiernia Fawor – With over 100 years of history, this bakery has become a local legend for its traditional croissants.
- Bazar 1838 – Located in the historic Bazar Poznański building, this spot is famous for its classic pastries with a side of Poznań history.
Non-Traditional, Creative Twists:
- Parle Patisserie – Offers a gourmet version with ingredients like orange peel, walnuts, and honey, perfect for those seeking a modern twist.
- Inna Piekarnia – Features a creative spin using white poppy seeds, amaretto-soaked raisins, and free-range eggs while keeping to the essence of the original.
- Sorrir Café – Specialises in gluten-free and lactose-free croissants, catering to modern dietary preferences without losing the spirit of the traditional pastry.
A Sweet Celebration of Poznań’s Heritage
The St. Martin’s Croissant represents more than just a tasty treat — it’s a celebration of community, charity, and tradition that brings Poznań together each November. Whether you’re enjoying one at the bustling market, watching the colourful parade, or learning the craft at the St. Martin’s Croissant Museum, this croissant is a delicious reminder of the city’s rich cultural heritage. So, if you’re in Poznań this 11th November, don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste history in every bite.
