According to Central Continental Bakery, the paczki is a traditional Polish dessert that is especially popular one day of the year, “Fat Tuesday,” the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is typically a Catholic holiday, however people of all religions celebrate the tradition of “Fat Tuesday” in America.

At the turn of the century, the Polish community almost always gave up their traditional sweets for the Lenten season.

Poland’s version of the French Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), known locally as Tłusty Czwartek, or “Fat Thursday.” This year, “Fat Thursday” falls on February 23.