Fastnachts, Fasnachts or Faschnachts are a fatty doughnut treat served primarily on Fastnacht Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Fastnachts were produced as a way to empty the pantry of fat and butter, which were forbidden during Lent. The pastry's name derives from Fastnachtsküchle or Fasnetskiachle ("little Carnival cakes"), the southwestern German dialect term for pastries known throughout Germany under a wide variety of names (e.g., Krapfen, Kreppel, Berliner, Pfannkuchen). Doughnuts being glazed at a Krispy Kreme store in Sydney, Australia. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Shrove_Tuesday. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Mardi gras. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In Western Christianity, Lent is the forty-day period (or season) lasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter[1] or Holy Saturday. ... Carnival or Carnivale is an annual Christian festival season. ...

This treat is found mainly in Germany and also in southeastern Pennsylvania (particularly Philadelphia) and most of Pennsylvania Dutch country (where they are often called "Fauschnauts"). The German version is made from a yeast dough, deep fried, and coated in sugar or cinnamon sugar; they may be plain, or filled with fruit jam. Pennsylvania Dutch Fastnachts are made from potato dough and fried, often coated with sugar (either powdered or granular). Official language(s) English, Pennsylvania Dutch Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  Ranked 33rd  - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 km²)  - Width 280 miles (455 km)  - Length 160 miles (255 km)  - % water 2. ... Nickname: City of Brotherly Love, Philly, the Cradle of Liberty, the City That Loves You Back, the Quaker City, The Birthplace of America Motto: Philadelphia maneto - Let brotherly love continue Location in Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Philadelphia Founded October 27, 1682 Incorporated October 25, 1701 Government... The Pennsylvania Dutch (perhaps more strictly Pennsylvania Deitsch or Pennsylvanian German) are the descendants of German immigrants who came to Pennsylvania prior to 1800. ...

Fastnachts are not round with a hole in the middle. They are either square (to represent the four gospels of the bible) or triangular (to represent the Trinity) in shape.

There is more than one way to spell Fastnacht. This is due to the fact that the language at the time was spoken and not written. When events began to be recorded, as writing and reading became more the norm, the word was spelled out phonetically. The way that people spell Fastnacht depends mainly on the region where they live. All forms are correct.

Many Catholic churches in Pennsylvania feature Fastnacht sales as a fundraiser. A fundraiser is an event or campaign whose primary purpose is fundraising. ...

See also

• Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine
• Pączki
• Shrove Tuesday