Bakeries across Pennsylvania are preparing for the annual celebration of Fasnacht Day on Tuesday (February 17), a beloved Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that marks the final day before the Lenten season begins.
The tradition, whose name translates to "fast night" in English, originated from the practical need to use up ingredients like lard, sugar, butter, and eggs before the Lenten fast began on Ash Wednesday.
"Not to be confused with a standard glazed or powdered sugar doughnut, many fasnachts are made with mashed potatoes and fried in animal fat making them less sweet, but extra delicious," according to Discover Lancaster. "Traditionally, they are square in shape, with no hole, filling, frosting or sprinkles."
Across Lancaster County and central Pennsylvania, bakeries and churches are preparing tens of thousands of these dense, doughnut-like pastries in various styles – plain, glazed, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar being the most popular options.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Columbia has been making fasnachts for more than a century and plans 10 different baking sessions this year to meet demand. Their fasnachts are so popular that many of their baking dates are already sold out.
Many establishments are offering drive-through pickup options, including Bird-in-Hand Bakery, which will operate tents at multiple locations. The Market at Oregon Dairy in Lititz will have a drive-through from 5:30-10 a.m. on Fasnacht Day.
Several fire companies and churches are also selling fasnachts as fundraisers, including Lafayette Fire Company in Lancaster, which is hosting its 7th Annual "Fasnachts for Fassnacht" fundraiser to celebrate the day and remember community servant Jan Fassnacht.
While the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch spelling is "fasnacht," some sources add a "t" to more closely mimic the pronunciation: "fastnacht." Regardless of spelling, the treats remain a cherished pre-Lenten indulgence throughout the region.