Join the celebration of Macaron Day and discover the rich history and tradition behind this delectable French confection. Learn how to celebrate and indulge in these colorful, delicate pastries while exploring the world of macarons.
Macaron Day is an annual celebration of the French macaron pastry, typically held on March 20th. On this day, participating bakeries and patisseries around the world offer free or discounted macarons to customers and donate a portion of their profits to a local charity or cause. The event aims to promote the joy of macarons while also supporting charitable organizations.
History of Macaron Day
Macaron Day was created in 2005 by French pastry chef Pierre Hermé, also known as the “Picasso of Pastry,” as a way to celebrate and share his love for the macaron with the world. The first Macaron Day was held in Paris on March 20th of that year, and it quickly became a popular event among pastry chefs and macaron enthusiasts.
The celebration of Macaron Day soon spread beyond France and became an international event, with participating bakeries and patisseries in countries such as Japan, Canada, and the United States. Today, the event is not only a celebration of the macaron, but also an opportunity for pastry chefs and bakers to showcase their skills and creativity by offering unique and innovative macaron flavors and designs.
In addition to promoting the joy of macarons, Macaron Day also has a charitable component, with many participating bakeries and patisseries donating a portion of their profits from the day to a local charity or cause. This aspect of the event highlights the importance of giving back to the community and using the power of food to make a positive impact in the world.
Source: pixabay.com
Macaron Day Timeline
Here’s a brief timeline of the history of Macaron Day:
- 2005: French pastry chef Pierre Hermé creates Macaron Day and holds the first celebration in Paris on March 20th.
- 2006: Macaron Day expands to Japan, with participating bakeries and patisseries offering free macarons to customers.
- 2008: Macaron Day is celebrated for the first time in New York City, with several bakeries and patisseries participating in the event.
- 2010: Macaron Day goes global, with participating bakeries and patisseries in cities around the world, including Toronto, Montreal, and Buenos Aires.
- 2012: Macaron Day expands to include a charitable component, with many participating bakeries and patisseries donating a portion of their profits to a local charity or cause.
- 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Macaron Day events are cancelled or postponed, but some participating bakeries and patisseries offer online ordering and delivery options.
Today, Macaron Day continues to be a popular event among pastry chefs, bakers, and macaron enthusiasts around the world, with new flavors and designs being created every year.
How to Celebrate Macaron Day
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Macaron Day:
- Visit a participating bakery or patisserie: Check online to see if there are any participating bakeries or patisseries in your area offering free or discounted macarons on Macaron Day. Visit them to try some delicious macarons and support their business.
- Host a macaron party: Invite friends over and have everyone bring their favorite macaron flavors to share. This is a great way to try a variety of flavors and have fun with friends.
- Make your own macarons: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own macarons at home using a recipe and tutorial. This is a great way to get creative and experiment with different flavors and designs.
- Learn about the history of macarons: Take some time to learn about the history and tradition of macarons. Read up on the origins of the pastry and how it became so popular around the world.
- Donate to a local charity: As Macaron Day has a charitable component, consider donating to a local charity or cause that supports your community.
By celebrating Macaron Day, you can enjoy delicious macarons while also supporting local businesses and charitable causes.
What is Macaron
A macaron is a delicate French pastry that is made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. It consists of two meringue-based shells that are typically made with almond flour, sandwiched together with a filling, such as buttercream, ganache, or jam.
Macarons are known for their vibrant colors and wide range of flavors, which can include classic combinations such as vanilla and chocolate, as well as more unique flavors like lavender and rose. They are often used as a decorative element in high-end desserts or as a standalone dessert on their own.
Macarons are often confused with macaroons, which are a completely different type of pastry made with coconut and typically have a chewy texture. However, macarons have a smooth, delicate texture and are a favorite among pastry enthusiasts around the world.
Why We Love Macaron Day
There are many reasons why people love Macaron Day, including:
- Delicious flavors: Macarons come in a wide range of delicious flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to unique and innovative combinations like matcha green tea or earl grey tea. There is a flavor for everyone to enjoy.
- Beautiful design: Macarons are not only delicious, but they are also beautiful to look at. They come in vibrant colors and can be decorated with intricate designs, making them a popular choice for high-end desserts and special occasions.
- Charitable component: Macaron Day has a charitable component, which means that by enjoying macarons on this day, you are also supporting a local charity or cause.
- Tradition and history: Macarons have a rich tradition and history, dating back to the 16th century in Italy. They have since become a beloved French pastry and are now enjoyed around the world.
- Celebrating with friends and family: Macaron Day is a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, whether you’re visiting a local bakery or patisserie or hosting your own macaron party at home.
Overall, Macaron Day is a fun and delicious way to celebrate a beloved French pastry while also supporting charitable causes and spending time with loved ones.
