On the last Thursday before Lent, Poland indulges in its delightful and calorific tradition known as Tłusty Czwartek, or Fat Thursday. It’s the day when calories don’t count, and local bakeries see long queues as people crave their fill of sweet treats. For 2025, this festive day will fall on February 27, marking the end of the pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations.
To kick off this celebratory occasion, the Opole Village Museum will host cooking workshops on March 1, where participants can learn to make traditional faworki—also known as angel wings. These pastries have cooled their way to the hearts of many due to their light, crispy texture, which has evolved over time from their heavier, fattier ancestors.
Inspired by culinary history, faworki were born from serendipity; it is said they emerged when a young pastry chef accidentally dropped a strip of dough, creating what we now admire as twisted and sugary delights. Jacek Jarosz from the Opole Village Museum describes the pastry's significance: “The name faworki is more universal; whereas chirust is a local term with roots specific to Silesia.”
Participans are encouraged to enroll for these hands-on workshops, which will run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the same day, allowing numerous opportunities to experience this joyful activity. Those interested can register by calling the museum, making sure to reserve their spots and equipment for this delightful endeavor.
Fat Thursday isn’t just about faworki. The day is synonymous with pączki, the round, jam-filled doughnuts typically enjoyed throughout the country. From bakeries to homes, it’s become traditional to indulge on these sweets before the solemnity of Lent. Each year, countless individuals look forward to purchasing—or making—their pączki, with long lines forming early at local bakeries.
While pączki may reign supreme, it's fascinating to observe how different regions put their unique spin on the celebration. Beyond faworki and pączki, some also enjoy oponek, another variant of sweet pastry. This regional diversity showcases Poland's rich culinary heritage, with families passing down recipes through generations.
Fat Thursday serves not only as occasion for indulgence but also reflects communities' connections to their culinary traditions. For many, learning how to prepare these sweets is intertwined with memories of family gatherings and cultural festivities. It’s about coming together—sharing not just food but experiences. With festive spirit running high, attendees often leave workshops not only with pastries to take home but also with newfound techniques and cherished memories.
Truly, Tłusty Czwartek is more than simply gorging on sweets; it embodies the essence of Polish festivity, highlighting the importance of celebration before weeks of abstinence. Various communities participate by creating delicious pastries and presenting them with pride—and sometimes even humor, as Fat Thursday has also planted its footprint on social media, prompting memes and jovial discussions surrounding the day.
There's something undeniably warm and festive about the atmosphere surrounding this gastronomic event. Fat Thursday tells stories about the joy of cooking, the longing for connection, and the scrumptious practices of passing down culinary wisdom. So, if you're planning on taking part this year, whether it’s indulging at the local bakery or rolling up your sleeves to create faworki at the workshop, embrace the flavors and the history behind this rich tradition!