🧐 What Even Is Jeûne Genevois?

So you’ve likely been caught off guard by this lovely little anomaly of a holiday: Jeûne genevois. Let’s break it down.

• “Jeûne” = fast (as in fasting, not speed).
• “Genevois” = from Geneva

So yes, this holiday literally means “Genevan fast,” and it has deep Protestant roots. It began in the 1500s as a day of fasting and prayer after tragic events like the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in France.

Over time, the fasting stuck (kind of), the prayers mellowed out, and the holiday evolved into…well, a day off work. And most importantly:

👉 A day to eat plum pie (tarte aux pruneaux. 🇨🇭🍇🥧).

🗓️ When Does This Sneaky Holiday Happen?

Jeûne genevois is always celebrated on the first Thursday after the first Sunday in September, only in the Canton of Geneva. That’s right — it’s not a national Swiss holiday.

🤓 Fun Jeûne Genevois Facts

1. It’s Geneva-Only.
   This is a true local holiday. The rest of Switzerland might not even notice.
2. There’s a National Version (Kind Of).
   Jeûne fédéral is the federal version, observed on a Sunday later in September. Geneva just does its own thing because… Geneva.
3. Plum Pie Is Basically Sacred.
   Eating plum pie on Jeûne genevois is like eating turkey on Thanksgiving — except sweeter and easier to make.
4. Fasting Optional, Pie Mandatory.
   Geneva residents used to fast until noon but not anymore.

🥧 Easy Tarte aux Pruneaux (Plum Pie) Recipe

Want to get in the local spirit? Here’s a classic tarte aux pruneaux to keep yourselves busy while everything is closed on this public holiday:

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 ready-made shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée) – found in Coop or Migros (the supermarkets at Gare Cornavin, Airport or in the city center are still open or in the neighbouring France supermarkets)
• 500g ripe plums (pruneaux, the small dark ones are best)
• 2–3 tablespoons ground almonds (optional, helps absorb juice)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust depending on plum sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but delicious)
• 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (to thicken juice)
• 1 egg yolk + splash of milk (for egg wash – optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Roll out your pastry into a tart tin or pie dish. Prick the base with a fork.
3. Sprinkle ground almonds over the base to help soak up plum juice.
4. Wash and pit the plums, then slice them in half.
5. Arrange the plums cut-side up in a pretty pattern. (Or toss them in like a chaotic goddess — both work.)
6. Mix sugar, flour/cornstarch, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the plums.
7. Optional: Brush crust edges with egg yolk + milk for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until crust is golden and plums are soft and bubbling.
9. Cool slightly, then serve warm or cold — with a spoonful of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra.

🥧 Voilà! You’ve just celebrated Jeûne genevois like a local.

Happy Jeûne genevois, ladies! 🥧🍷🇨🇭