Pączki Day: The Sweet Polish Tradition Worth Celebrating

Every year on Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek), Polish communities around the world celebrate one of the most delicious traditions: Pączki Day. These pillowy, fruit-filled donuts are more than just a treat—they're a connection to heritage, family, and centuries of Polish culture. 

What is Pączki Day?

Pączki Day falls on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, marking the last chance to indulge before the Lenten season begins. In 2026, that's February 12th. Traditionally, Polish families would use up rich ingredients like lard, sugar, and eggs before the fasting period, creating these decadent pastries filled with rose hip jam, custard, or plum preserves.

The Tradition Behind the Treat

In Poland, it's said that if you don't eat at least one pączek on Fat Thursday, you'll have bad luck for the rest of the year. While we can't verify that claim, we can confirm that these golden, sugar-dusted delights are absolutely worth seeking out. Polish bakeries often sell out by mid-morning, with some people ordering dozens for their offices and families.

How to Celebrate Pączki Day

Find a local Polish bakery: Support small businesses and get the authentic experience. Call ahead to reserve your pączki—they go fast!

Share the tradition: Bring pączki to work or school and share the story behind them. It's a wonderful way to introduce others to Polish culture.

Pair with Polish gifts: Celebrate your heritage year-round with meaningful Polish-inspired gifts, ornaments, and home décor that tell your family's story.

Make it a family tradition: Even if you're not Polish, adopting cultural traditions like Pączki Day can create meaningful memories and teach children about the rich tapestry of global customs.

Beyond the Bakery: Celebrating Polish Heritage

While Pączki Day is a delicious entry point, Polish culture offers so much more to explore and celebrate. From intricate wycinanki paper cutting to vibrant folk art, from pierogi-making traditions to Christmas Eve Wigilia feasts, there are countless ways to honor and share this beautiful heritage.

At Pierogi Gifts, we believe that celebrating heritage shouldn't be limited to special occasions. Our curated collection of Polish-inspired gifts, ornaments, and décor helps you keep your culture alive every day of the year.

Happy Pączki Day! Smacznego!