When Is Paçzki Day?

National Paçzki Day is rapidly approaching, but many may not know what paçzki are, let alone why they have their own holiday. National Paçzki Day is Februry 21, in 2023, which coincides with Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday (also known as “Mardi Gras“). This is a time for indulging in these fried Polish donuts, which are stuffed with jelly or cream and sprinkled with sugar, as a way to use up sugar, lard, and eggs before Lent begins.

In Poland, this pre-Lenten celebration falls on a Thursday, but in Midwestern cities with heavy Polish influences like Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay, and Chicago, Paçzki Day is always on Fat Tuesday.

Upcoming Dates:

  • February 21, 2023
  • February 13, 2024
  • March 4, 2025

How Do You Pronounce Paçzki?

First, you’re probably wondering how to pronounce paçzki, which does not look like it sounds: it’s pronounced “POONCH-key” or “POWNCH-key” (although we’re bound to get emails telling us the correct pronunciation). Practice it a few times so when you’re ready to order one from your local bakery, you’ll know what to ask for. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make them yourself! See the authentic recipe below.

Fun Fact: Paczki is the plural usage. Each donut is a paçzek, pronounced POON-check)

It All Starts With Lent

For Christians, Lent is a time for penitence and self-reflection. Beginning with Ash Wednesday (the day after Fat Tuesday), it continues up until Easter. In a spiritual fast, such as during Lent, the purpose is to show restraint and self-control, so people may give up certain foods or activities for the forty-day period; the idea being that without distractions, they are better able to concentrate on God.

Traditionally, only simple foods are to be eaten during Lent, and rich ingredients such as eggs, sugar, and lard must be used up before the fast begins. This is why so many decadent treats are traditionally eaten at this time.

A Little Paçzki History

The first records of paçzki were noted in the Middle Ages, but at that time, these pastries were savory rather than sweet. It was King Augustus III of Poland who, to celebrate Shrove Week, or Shroven Tide, brought in French pastry chefs, known for their sweet and indulgent desserts, to his castle, where they created the sweet variation of paçzki that we know and love today.

As with all dishes, there are many variations of paçzki. Some chefs add a small amount of grain alcohol to the dough, which prevents it from getting greasy, but most of the variations lie with the filling. Today, you’ll find fruit jelly (raspberry, apple, and lemon), custard, and even Nutella at the center of most paçzki.

Fun Fact: Paçzki are often filled with prune filling because the idea was to “cleanse” before Lent!

Traditional Paçzki Recipe

Paçzki Recipe

Amber Kanuckel is a freelance writer from rural Ohio who loves all things outdoors. She specializes in home, garden, environmental, and green living topics.

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