Paczki Day

This year, March 4 is Fat Tuesday, the last day before the season of Lent where many Christians refrain from indulgent treats. For Detroiters it’s better known as Paczki Day, when local bakeries serve up dozens of traditional Polish pastries as a last chance to enjoy a sweet treat. Whether or not you observe Lent, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to try a “paczek,” as a single Paczki is called. Paczki (pronounced PONCH-KEE) are deep-fried balls of dough traditionally filled with prunes and covered with powdered sugar or icing. They were originally created to use up all the fats and sugar in the house before Lent and help avoid temptation in the coming weeks. Modern Paczki are just as rich, but come in a variety of flavors, so don’t worry if prunes aren’t your favorite filling. Metro Detroit’s Polish enclave, Hamtramck, is the place to be on Paczki Day. Lines can stretch out the door at bakeries known for their Paczki, so order ahead or expect a wait when you stop at one of these popular shops — it’s all part of the experience.