Jeûne Genevois (meaning Genevan fast) is a public holiday in the canton of Geneva, which occurs on the Thursday following the first Sunday of September. It dates back to the 16th century.
Tarte aux pruneaux (plum pie) is often served as dessert in Geneva homes on Jeûne genevois. Any knowledge as to how this tradition began seems to have been lost, although it may have come about as a means to allow women and housekeepers a way to spend the day in prayer, having cooked plum pies the day before (area plums being in season).
