Fat Thursday

Fat Thursday is observed on the last Thursday before Ash Wednesday. In 2026, it falls on February 12. This traditional Christian feast marks the final Thursday of the Carnival season and serves as a day of indulgence before the fasting period of Lent begins.

History of Fat Thursday

The roots of Fat Thursday date back to pagan times when people celebrated the end of winter with hearty, fatty dishes. It was a time to consume heavy foods to symbolize the wish for a fruitful year ahead. As Christianity spread through Europe, the custom was adapted into the church calendar as a way to use up stores of lard, sugar, eggs, and fruit that were strictly forbidden during the forty days of Lenten abstinence.

Historically, the foods consumed on this day were savory rather than sweet. In the Middle Ages, the ancestors of the modern doughnut were balls of bread dough filled with bacon or pork fat and deep-fried. It was not until the 16th century that sweet versions appeared on the tables of the Polish nobility. Over the following centuries, these treats evolved into the light, jam-filled pastries known today, officially cementing the day’s reputation as a celebration of confectionary skill and communal feasting.

Why is Fat Thursday important?

This day is a vital cultural touchstone, particularly in Poland and Germany, where it represents the peak of Carnival festivities. It provides a shared social experience that transcends religious boundaries, as bakeries, offices, and schools all participate in the tradition. The holiday reinforces the idea of balance, allowing for a day of uninhibited joy and excess before the more somber and reflective season of Lent takes over.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Fat Thursday carries a heavy weight of local folklore and superstition. A popular Polish proverb suggests that those who do not eat at least one doughnut on this day will suffer from an empty barn and destroyed fields. This belief transforms the simple act of eating a pastry into a symbolic gesture of inviting good fortune and prosperity for the remainder of the year.

• It marks the beginning of the final week of Carnival celebrations.
• The day helps preserve traditional recipes passed down through generations.
• It supports local bakeries that produce millions of pastries in a single day.
• The holiday encourages social bonding through the sharing of treats.
• It serves as a practical way to transition into the fasting season.

How to Celebrate Fat Thursday

The primary way to celebrate is by consuming pączki, which are traditional Polish doughnuts made from a very rich yeast dough. These are deep-fried and typically filled with rose petal jam or plum preserve before being glazed with sugar or topped with candied orange peel. In Germany, similar treats called Berliners are popular. Many people also enjoy “angel wings,” known as faworki, which are thin, crispy ribbons of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar.

Celebrations often involve friendly competitions to see who can eat the most doughnuts throughout the day. In some regions, particularly in Germany, the day is known as “Women’s Carnival,” where women symbolically take over town halls and playfully cut off the ties of men they encounter. Regardless of the specific local custom, the day is characterized by a relaxed atmosphere where dietary rules are temporarily ignored in favor of hospitality and lighthearted fun.

• Visit a local bakery early in the morning to avoid long queues.
• Try a traditional pączek filled with authentic rose petal marmalade.
• Make a batch of crispy faworki to share with neighbors.
• Participate in or watch a “storming of the town hall” in German regions.
• Share a box of assorted pastries with coworkers at the office.