Tuesday, 16 February 2010 20:30 administrator
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is Paczki Day in the United States. In Poland it is called Fat Tuesday, which in France (and in New Orleans) translates to Mardi Gras.
In Poland the entire week leading up to Ash Wednesday is called Fat Week, with the celebrations beginning on Fat Thursday the week before. Millions of paczki are baked and consumed in Poland that week, and lines form outside of bakeries as people wait to buy the delicious jelly or cream-filled rolls to share with their coworkers, friends, and family. Tradition calls for getting your fill of good food before the fasting of Lent begins. Costume balls and parties are also held all week, because once Lent starts, all merrymaking will stop for six weeks. No dances or weddings will be held until after Easter. You can find recipes for paczki here.
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is Paczki Day in the United States. In Poland it is called Fat Tuesday, which in France (and in New Orleans) translates to Mardi Gras.