The entire nation associates the 11th of November with the Polish Independence Day celebrations. In Poznań, these celebrations have much more light-hearted character since they are also associated with St. Martin's Day - a holiday that has been celebrated here since the Middle Ages. The celebrations involve a colourful parade, pleasant kitsch, and literal tonnes of special pimped-out (rogals) croissants. These delicacies are made of poppy seeds and "bakalie" (a Polish confectionery consisting of figs, walnuts, hazelnuts, raisins, orange and lemon peel, and dried fruits). After mass, a colourful procession sets off from the church below the royal castle, where the Mayor of Poznań hands over the keys of the city to St. Martin. Poznanians, in the company of many visitors who descend on the city to participate in the St. Martin revelry, take part in a variety of parades and performances until well into the night.