Every year on November 11th, the feast of San Martino (Saint Martin) is celebrated in various Christian countries to honor the memory of Martin of Tours. This vibrant anniversary, deeply rooted in rural traditions, holds significance for both religious and agricultural communities.
Historically, Saint Martin’s feast served as an occasion to renew agreements in the agricultural sector, marking the end of the harvest season. It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude for the bountiful yield of the year’s crops, as well as a time to look ahead to the winter months.
One delightful aspect of Saint Martin’s feast, especially in Veneto and Venice, is the tradition of children taking to the streets with pots, lids, and ladles. These young celebrants visit local shops, singing nursery rhymes in Venetian dialect and requesting sweets and treats. It’s a charming custom that brings joy to both children and shopkeepers alike.
In the metropolitan city of Venice, another beloved tradition has taken root. Bakers craft a special biscuit in the shape of “Saint Martin’s Horse“. This delightful treat, originating in the 1960s, has earned a place on the list of traditional Venetian agri-food products. The biscuit is made from shortcrust pastry, shaped in the likeness of the saint on horseback, complete with sword and cloak. It’s adorned with colorful sugar icing, pralines, sweets, and chocolates, making it a cherished symbol of the feast.
Another cherished tradition, particularly in the provinces of Venice, Padua, and Treviso, involves indulging in a dish featuring goose meat on this special day. One of the most renowned goose-based dishes is “oca in onto“, where boneless goose meat is salted and preserved in the fat of the goose itself and oil. It’s a culinary delight that has become synonymous with Saint Martin’s feast.
This celebration not only honors Saint Martin but also brings communities together to celebrate the harvest, partake in time-honored customs, and savor delicious treats—a true embodiment of the rich traditions of rural and culinary life.
Website: www.comune.venezia.it
Location: Venice
Schedule: Nov. 11, 2023
