11 November, Poznań
Once a year, on 11. November, when Poland celebrates its Independence Day, Poznań citizens celebrate St. Martin’s Day also known as the name day of the city’s main street.
Saint Martin dressed in the costume of a Roman legionary enters the capital of Wielkopolska Region riding a white horse. He is accompanied by other riders, as well as craftsmen, jugglers, clowns and stilt walkers. After a High Mass opening the church fair, the colourful pageant proceeds from St. Martin’s Church towards the castle where merry-making continues till late at night. The day offers a lot of music, happenings and interesting performances.
Traditionally the greatest attraction of St. Martin’s Day is St. Martin’s crescent-shaped buns (rogale świętomarcińskie) commonly regarded as great delicacies. Each year, bakers make more than 200 tones of the favourite festive food, and the tastiest of all croissants are awarded a certificate of high quality.
www.poznan.pl (English, Deutsch)
