Tłusty Czwartek, or Fat Thursday, is a traditional Polish celebration that marks the last Thursday before Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence leading up to Easter. This lively and indulgent day is a prelude to the fasting period during Lent and is widely celebrated throughout Poland.
The main focus of Tłusty Czwartek is on indulging in delicious donuts, known as pączki in Polish. Bakeries and households fill them with various jams, custards, or cream.
The origins of Tłusty Czwartek trace back to the medieval Christian tradition of preparing for the period of Lent by indulging in rich and fatty foods before the fasting season began. Over time, this practice evolved into a beloved Polish custom that continues to be cherished today.
In addition to pączki, other traditional Polish sweets and pastries are also enjoyed on this day. Families may bake and share faworki, delicate and crispy pastries often twisted into intricate shapes and dusted with powdered sugar.
