Pączki, the beloved Polish doughnuts, are a key part of the country’s Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek) celebration, where indulgence takes center stage. These yeast dough balls, traditionally fried in lard or vegetable oil, are filled with jam or marmalade and topped with a dusting of icing sugar. Weighing between 55 to 70 grams and packing a hefty 400 calories, the pączki are a true treat for those who partake in the festive occasion.
In recent years, vegan pączki have become more popular, catering to growing dietary preferences. On Fat Thursday, many Poles consume several pączki, with experts estimating that around 100 million of these sweet delights will be eaten across the country—roughly two-and-a-half pączki per person.
The tradition of eating pączki on Fat Thursday dates back to the 17th century. Superstition holds that not eating one on this day will bring bad luck for the entire year. Similar to Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday in other parts of the world, Fat Thursday serves as the final indulgence before the fasting period of Lent, a time of reflection for Roman Catholics leading up to Easter.
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