- Special Occasions
- St. Martin's Day Feast
St. Martin's Day Feast
St. Martin's Day Feast is one of the oldest and most beloved autumn traditions in the Czech lands. Celebrated on November 11th, it is said that St. Martin arrives on a white horse, bringing the first snow. The feast traditionally includes roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings, St. Martin's wine, and traditional crescent rolls. On this special page you will find recipes for roast goose, side dishes, and modern takes on the classics.
St. Martin's Day Traditions
Roast Goose: Queen of the Table
Crispy roast goose is the star of St. Martin's feast. Traditionally roasted whole and stuffed with apples, plums, or sage, it is served with red cabbage and bread or Karlovy Vary dumplings. Slow roasting at low temperature keeps the meat juicy. In some regions, it is served with a sauce made from its own juices and wine.St. Martin's Wine
The first glass of St. Martin's wine is opened exactly on November 11th at 11:11 AM. It's a young wine from the first harvest, light, fruity, and refreshing. Traditionally served with goose, it also pairs well with roast duck or game. Typical varieties include Müller-Thurgau, Early Red Veltliner, and Blauer Portugieser.Traditional Pastries and Sweet Endings
Small St. Martin's pastries are part of the celebration. The most famous are St. Martin's crescent rolls filled with poppy seeds or nuts, but small kolaches with plum jam or cottage cheese are also common. After the rich feast, seasonal desserts of apples, plums, and pears are served. Tradition says those who feast well on St. Martin's Day are blessed with abundance year-round.
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Recipes, St. Martin's Day
St. Martin's Articles
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