Fat Thursday, known as Tłusty Czwartek, marks the beginning of the last week of indulgence before Lent, celebrated enthusiastically across Poland. This year, on February 27, 2025, communities will come together to honor this delicious tradition centered around eating pączki, or donuts, and enjoying the company of friends and family.
The history of Fat Thursday is steeped in joyous festivity, signifying the final days of carnival. Traditionally, it served as an excuse for individuals to indulge guilt-free before the fasting of Lent began, allowing people to savor rich foods and sweets, particularly those delectable pączki.
“Kto tego dnia nie zje chociaż jednego pączka, ten nie może liczyć na szczęście i powodzenie przez kolejnych 12 miesięcy,” (Those who do not eat at least one donut on this day cannot expect luck and prosperity for the next 12 months) underlines the cultural importance of this culinary delight during the celebration. Such sayings reflect deep-rooted beliefs surrounding food and fortune, which are integral to the festivities.
This year, observers can expect to celebrate Fat Thursday with a blend of modern and traditional practices. While some may head to lively street parties and community gatherings, others might choose quieter family settings, recreatively frying pączki or trying their hands at healthier baked alternatives.
Predictably, the price of pączki will rise this 2025, potentially changing how families celebrate. Multiple factors contribute to this change—the VAT on food items has increased from 0% to 5%, and consumers are facing higher ingredient costs driven by shortages of basics like eggs and butter due to recent agricultural challenges. According to reports from Fakt, “Ceny pączków w 2025 roku będą wyższe niż w latach poprzednich” (The prices of donuts in 2025 will be higher than in previous years). When budgets are tighter, those traditional family gatherings might shift to include preparation at home rather than purchasing ready-made treats.
The wide range of pączki available today offers something for everyone, from economical options priced at 2-3 złote to gourmet varieties exceeding 20 złote. So as prices inflate, families may adapt by making pączki together, fostering creativity and closer bonding within households.
Interestingly, Fat Thursday is celebrated far beyond Poland. Different countries have their own adaptations—Italy celebrates Martedi Grasso (Fat Tuesday), where indulgent meats and sweets abound, as seen with the frittelle, akin to pączki but filled with raisins and pine nuts. Spain reflects on Jueves Lardero, where traditional foods like cake Mona are shared among families. Meanwhile, Germany’s Weiberfastnacht provides its twist, showcasing women’s whimsical empowerment through playful acts like cutting men’s ties as part of the celebration.
Across these varied customs, the core themes of Fat Thursday resonate deeply—joy, community bonding, and unapologetic indulgence before the reflective period of Lent. Creating connections through shared experiences, whether through food, dance, or storytelling, aligns with the ancient power of communal celebrations.
This year, as Poland looks toward February 27 for Fat Thursday, families can embrace the spirit of this tradition, whether it’s through elevational gathering, co-cooking pączki, or simply reveling under the warmth of collective laughter. It invites everyone to momentarily dismiss the pressures of daily life and bask instead in each other's company—a perfect prelude to the reflective practices of Lent.