Today the celebrations take the form of a massive street party and parade heading west down St. Martin's Street (ul. Św. Marcina) from the corner of Ratajczaka Street to the Imperial Castle, beginning at 10:00. Expect colourful costumes, huge floats, marching bands, street performers and historical figures, including St. Martin himself, entertaining the massive crowds lining the thoroughfare. Around 13:30, St. Martin arrives at the Imperial Castle to receive the keys to the city from the major, and the people rejoice. Additional events will be taking place around the Imperial Castle and St. Martin's Street, including concerts in Park Mickiewicz, an antique fair, workshops, special exhibits and other performances throughout the day.
Finally, a big part of Poznań's St. Martin's Day traditions revolve around food. Special St. Martin's Croissants (rogale świętomarcińskie) are baked in abundance for the event and dispensed all over town. A sugar-glazed pastry stuffed with sweet white poppy paste and 'bakalie' (a Polish confectionery consisting of figs, walnuts, hazelnuts, raisins, orange and lemon peel, and dried fruits) - these unique treats will keep you going through the day's events, before settling down for a nice dinner of traditional St. Martin's Goose (Gęś św. Marcina) - a dish served specially for the occasion in Poznań's most upstanding traditional restaurants.
