Tłusty Czwartek, or Fat Thursday, is a cherished Polish tradition that indulges the nation’s sweet tooth just before the Lenten season. In 2025, this delightful celebration falls on 27th February, offering a perfect opportunity to savour delectable treats and immerse oneself in rich cultural practices.
Origins of Tłusty Czwartek
The roots of Tłusty Czwartek trace back to ancient pagan customs, where feasts marked the end of winter and the arrival of spring. During these early celebrations, people consumed hearty meals, including meat and wine, accompanied by savoury doughnuts filled with pork fat. With the advent of Christianity, this festivity evolved to align with the pre-Lenten period, serving as a final occasion for indulgence before the austerity of Lent.
Evolution of the Doughnut Tradition
Initially, the doughnuts enjoyed during Tłusty Czwartek were savoury, filled with lard or bacon. It wasn’t until the 16th century that sweet versions began to emerge in Poland. These early sweet doughnuts often concealed a hidden almond or nut; finding one was believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. Over time, the recipe evolved into the beloved pączki we know today: soft, fluffy pastries typically filled with rose jam or other sweet fillings.
Modern-Day Celebrations
Today, Tłusty Czwartek is synonymous with indulgence. Poles across the country queue at bakeries from the early hours to purchase fresh pączki and faworki (crispy, powdered sugar-dusted pastries also known as angel wings). It’s customary to consume at least one pączek on this day, as folklore suggests that abstaining might lead to misfortune. On average, each person in Poland consumes two and a half pączki on Tłusty Czwartek, amounting to an astounding 100 million doughnuts nationwide.
Similar Traditions Around the World
Poland is not the only country with a tradition of indulgence before Lent. In France, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is a day of feasting, featuring crêpes, beignets, and carnival parades. The UK celebrates Pancake Tuesday, where families flip pancakes and take part in fun races. In Germany, Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Day) is particularly popular in the Rhineland, where women symbolically take over towns and cut off men’s ties. Meanwhile, in Italy, Martedì Grasso is celebrated with festive food and masks, much like the famous Venetian Carnival.
Even outside of Europe, similar traditions exist—Brazil’s Carnival is one of the world’s most extravagant pre-Lenten festivals, filled with dance, music, and indulgent feasting. Though the customs differ, the idea remains the same: enjoy good food before the season of fasting.
Where to Find the Best Pączki in Poznań
For those in Poznań looking to partake in the festivities, here are six renowned establishments offering exceptional pączki:
1. Wypas – Known for its vegan offerings, Wypas provides plant-based pączki that don’t compromise on taste.
2. Dziewczyny i Słodycze – This charming spot offers artisanal pączki with a variety of fillings, ensuring a delightful experience.
3. Pączek w Maśle – Celebrated for its traditional approach, this bakery serves classic pączki that hark back to authentic recipes.
4. Pączuś i Kawusia – A perfect pairing of coffee and pączki, making it an ideal spot for a sweet treat and a caffeine fix.
5. Parle Patisserie – Offering a fusion of French pastry techniques with Polish traditions, their pączki are a gourmet delight.
6. Inna.Piekarnia – Known for its innovative flavours, this bakery puts a modern twist on the classic pączek.
Embracing the Tradition
Participating in Tłusty Czwartek is more than just enjoying sweet treats; it’s about connecting with Polish culture and history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in a pączek (or two) on 27th February 2025 is a delightful way to experience this rich tradition.
