Fasnacht Day in Lancaster County

It’s known by several names, but Lancaster County’s favorite way to celebrate the day before the first day of Lent (Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras) is with fasnachts. Translated into English as “fast night”, the tradition is traced back to the custom of using up the lard, sugar, butter, and eggs prior to the beginning of Lent since these things were usually given up. 

Fasnachts are usually made with mashed potatoes fried in animal fat and appear as a square with no hole, filling, frosting or sprinkles. It’s not your traditional sugar doughnut, but its crispy outside and fluffy center is still delicious and fried to perfection. Choose your favorite flavor: plain, sugared, powdered, or glazed, and indulge in some authentic, scratch-made Lancaster County fasnachts.

Some of the best spots to find fasnachts in Lancaster County are Lancaster Central Market, Oregon Dairy, Achenbach’s Pastry, Bird-in-Hand Bakery, and Shady Maple. Even if you’re on your way to other plans, grab your fasnachts on the go with Bird-in-Hand Bakery’s drive-thru tent. Tents are located at the Bakery and near the Lancaster Shopping Center on Route 501. 

Fasnacht Day is on February 25th, 2020. Visit the Bird-in-Hand Bakery website for more information and directions to tent locations.

Bird-in-Hand Bakery
2715 Old Philadelphia Pike
Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
717.768.1501