Legend has it that St. Martin of Tours, before becoming a bishop, was a humble and modest man. When the people of Tours wanted to elevate him to this office, Martin - feeling unworthy - hid in a goose pen. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), the geese began to honk loudly, revealing his hiding place. People found Martin, and he became a bishop.
In remembrance of this event, on his feast day - November 11th - people began to eat goose. It was meant to symbolically "atone" for betraying their future patron.
Goose - a symbol of prosperity and the end of the agricultural year
Beyond the legend, goose on St. Martin's Day also had practical significance. In the old days, November marked the time for:
the completion of fieldwork,
settling accounts with the landowner and servants,
preparing for winter.
It was precisely then that geese were fattened, already mature and ready for consumption. Their meat was fatty, juicy, and ideal for long-term storage. That is why throughout Europe, especially in Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, St. Martin's Day became a real goose festival - a time for feasting after a year of hard work.
Goose on St. Martin's Day today
In Poland, this tradition has been revived in recent years. More and more restaurants and farms embrace this custom, serving goose dishes precisely in November. Classic dishes dominate the tables:
Goose Days at Rosevia Resort & SPA
On this occasion, the Natura Restaurant at Rosevia Resort & SPA also invites you to the exceptional Goose Days 2025, which will take place from November 2nd to 16th. It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate St. Martin in the most delicious way - with the best goose dishes.
On the menu you'll find:
Goose pâté with quince and red onion confiture,
Sour rye soup made with smoked goose, mushrooms, and horseradish,
Goose confit leg with potato gratin and chestnut,
Rhubarb crumble with cinnamon ice cream.
Why do we eat goose on St. Martin's Day? Because it combines history, symbolism, and taste.
It is a tradition that reminds us of gratitude for the harvest, joy at the end of agricultural work, and communal feasting over good food.
And since goose is tasty and healthy - it's worth nurturing this custom, ideally at the table at Rosevia Resort & SPA, accompanied by aromatic dishes.
Also check out: autumn by the sea 2025
