Posted: 01/16/2024

Fasnacht Day in Lancaster, PA

The story of this Tuesday Tradition.

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What is Fasnacht Day?

Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday… All are names for the day before the first day of Lent. Here in Lancaster County, we celebrate this Tuesday with FASNACHTS, delightful treats that aren’t your run-of-the-mill doughnut.

Fasnacht translates into "fast night" in English which helps to explain the origins of this tradition. It stems from the need to use up the lard, sugar, butter and eggs prior to the beginning of Lent since these lavish items were typically given up. 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! Traditionally, they are square in shape, with no hole, filling, frosting or sprinkles.