Macaron Day, celebrated on March 20 every year, is a holiday that is meant for celebrating the tasty goodness that is the macaron. A macaron is a sweet-tasting confectionery that has origins in France (the name itself is derived from French). It is a chance for macaron lovers to taste delectable French macarons from various bakeries while also supporting local charities. The holiday, though not a public holiday, is so beautifully arranged to coincide with the first day of spring as well as the International Day of Happiness, both of which are very symbolic of the effect of macarons on people. The holiday is a time to bake and share.
History of Macaron Day
The origin of macarons has been said to trace back to a French monastery in Cormery in the 8th century (791 B.C.). A Swiss encyclopedia documenting the history and origins of baking records that the first almond biscuits surfaced sometime around the 11th century under the support and protection of the first king of the Almoravid dynasty, Yusuf ibn Tashfin. According to this record, this period saw the almond cake Ghouryeba or Ghriba being served mainly during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. The almond biscuits then spread across cultures and civilizations as far as Europe.Macarons have been produced since the 8th century A.D. during the Renaissance period. The then Queen of France, Catherine de Medici, had an Italian pastry and she had her chefs make them as part of the things she took with her to France in 1533 when she married King Henry II of France. The macaron as we know it today was created in 1791 in a convent near Cormery, France. The following year, in 1792, macarons became famous after two nuns seeking asylum during the French revolution, prepared and traded the macaron cookies in exchange for their housing. The nuns would later come to be known as the “Macaron Sisters”. At this time, macarons were prepared with special flavoring and fillings.By the 1930s, macarons began to be served with the addition of jams and spices. The macaron as it is known today, which comprises two almond meringue discs with a layer of buttercream filling, or jam, was initially referred to as the “Paris macaron”. French journalist and author, Pierre Desfontaines, is occasionally credited with the creation of the macron since the early part of the 20th century. However, another baker, Claude Gerbet, also claims to have invented it (at some point in its history, the macaron was called the Gerbet cake). French macaron bakeries have become a thing in North America since the 2010s.
Macaron Day timeline
French writer Desfontaines, who is partially credited with the invention of the macaron, is born.
The macaron as we know it today is first made.
The “Nun Sisters” who make a macaron cake in exchange for housing during the French revolution, come to light.
The first-ever Macaron Day in the United States is celebrated in March.
Macaron Day FAQs
What is a macaron?
A macaron or French macaroon is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond meal, and food coloring.
Are macarons high in calories?
Macarons have a decent and moderate caloric level as they typically contain 100 calories at most, and could also be less.
Where is the macaron from?
The name is of French etymology, and its modern history derives from France, however, the macaron was pretty much exported to France from Italy when Catherine de Medici married King Henry II.
Macaron Day Activities
-
Prepare some macarons
While celebrating Macaron Day, be sure to try out a new recipe. Prepare some macaron and indulge.
-
Share some macarons
You can share some macaron cakes with neighbors, colleagues at work, or fellow parishioners at the local church. The important thing is to share.
-
Use the hashtag #MacaronDay
Be sure to document everything you do for Macaron Day on social media. Use the hashtag #MacaronDay.
5 Delicious Facts About Macarons
-
They’re gluten-free
Macarons are prepared with 0% gluten.
-
Free macarons in N.Y.C.
Macarons are free in New York City every Macaron Day.
-
Popular in France
The macaron is the most popular confectionery sold in France.
-
Moderate caloric value
A macaron typically contains about 100 calories or less.
-
The macaron originated in Italy
The macaron was introduced to French culture when King Henry II married Catherine de Medici from Italy and she had her chefs bake her some macaron cakes to take with her to France.
Why We Love Macaron Day
-
A macaron tastes yummy
There’s hardly any reason not to love macaron. It is made with some of the best cake ingredients and leaves a delectable yummy taste in the mouth.
-
A macaron is something to bond over
Typically, humans tend to bond over things such as cooking and baking. Macarons are no different as their preparation and consumption help to form special bonds.
-
It’s simply delightful
Even if you’re not putting it in your mouth, the aesthetic pleasure of seeing macaron cakes in different colors is such a delight. The anticipation makes it even tastier.
Macaron Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
