Pączki: A Fat Tuesday Favorite
A Sweet Ending to a Season of Indulgence
The red and white Paczki box is hard to miss in the Big Y Bakery Department. These delectable donuts have a history that is baked in the traditions of the Polish culture. One bite is not enough! This confectionary masterpiece has all of the elements needed to properly celebrate Fat Tuesday.
What is a Pączki?
Paczki is a rich donut, filled with fruit preserves and coated with either a sweet glaze or powdered sugar; ingredients that are considered off limits during the fasting period of Lent.
The History of Pączki
Learn about how Paczki became a staple in Polish culture.
The Polish celebration leading up to Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is called Zapusty, also known as Karnawał. This celebration starts between New Year's Day and the Feast of the Three Kings on Jan. 6th and lasts up until Fat Tuesday.
The tradition of making Paczki was developed hundreds of years ago to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, butter, sugar and fruit. All foods considered off-limits during the fasting period of Lent. As traditions evolved, Polish-American culture began to opt to enjoy these indulgent donuts on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
Mardi Gras: Fat Tuesday
What is the significance of Paczki during Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. It marks the close of the pre-Lenten season and preparing for a time of fasting. The day is filled with parades, celebration and of course, food. Paczki is one of the many food traditions celebrated during Mardi Gras and continue to be a celebratory staple.
Pączki Flavors
Pick your favorite or try one of the many flavors we have available in the Big Y Bakery Department.
Made fresh daily, Paczki donuts are overstuffed with raspberry, prune, bavarian cream, apple or other delicious fillings. They are then rolled in granulated sugar, coated in icing or dusted with powered sugar.
Buy Pączki at Your Local Big Y
Look for the red and white box at your local Big Y supermarket.
Packed and ready for purchase, you can find these holiday staples in a 2 pack or a 6 pack box. Look for these red and white boxes in our bakery department and enjoy these delicious Polish donuts. Visit your local Big Y Supermarket today!
