PARIS, March 20 ― What started out as a marketing gimmick and fundraising event by the man known as the French “Picasso” of pastries, Pierre Hermé, has since become an international phenomenon with gourmands set to celebrate the airy, fairytale pastry in Toronto, New York, Mumbai and Vancouver.

Declaring March 20 World Macaron Day nine years ago was Hermé’s way of bringing the French pastry into the international spotlight at a time when the light meringue-based pastries were still a novelty in bakeries outside France.

Today, macarons have almost become commonplace in gourmet pastry shops around the world, sharing shelf space with croissants, lemon tarts, muffins and éclairs.

The occasion was also created to help raise funds for cystic fibrosis: macarons are free at all Pierre Hermé boutiques across France in exchange for a donation.

Last year, 62 pastry chefs and 160 boutiques around the world participated to raise €36,000 for the cause.

Here’s where you can fete World Macaron Day around the world:

New York

French pastry chef Francois Payard of FP Patisserie in New York took off with the idea and ran with it back in 2010, organising the city’s first Macaron Day. For one day, participating bakeries will offer free macarons if customers indicate they’re there for Macaron Day. A portion of macaron sales will also be donated to CityHarvest.

Participating bakeries include:

Bouchon Bakery

Epicerie Boulud

Macaron Cafe

Chantilly Patisserie

Bisous, Ciao. Macarons

Mumbai

Gourmet pastry shop in Mumbai, La Folie claims to be the first in the city to fete World Macaron Day. Customers can also score a free macaron if they indicate that they’ve made the visit specifically for World Macaron Day.

Toronto

In Toronto, proceeds of macaron sales will go towards a family shelter programme. Participating pastry shops include:

Butter Avenue

Bobbette and Belle

Daniel et Daniel

Ma Maison

Moroco Chocolat

Patachou

Vancouver

In Vancouver, pastry shops will be donating a portion of sales to local hospitals. Check out:

Soirette

French Made Baking

Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Café ― AFP-Relaxnews