Paczki

Paczki Day in Chicago and Midwest: A Fat Tuesday Tradition

Discover how Paczki, the rich Polish pastries, are celebrated on Fat Tuesday in Chicago and the Midwest with long lines at bakeries and stores.

Paczki Day, celebrated on Fat Tuesday, is a beloved tradition in Chicago and the Midwest. Pronounced "puhnch·kee," these Polish pastries are distinctively richer and heavier than traditional American doughnuts. Bakeries and grocery stores in Chicago were bustling with crowds early in the morning, eagerly waiting to indulge in these delectable treats.

Macomb County, Detroit, and Northeast Ohio also joined in the Paczki celebration, offering these high-calorie delights to locals. From glazed to powdered sugar-dusted variants, filled with jelly, custard, or cream, the Paczki were a highlight of the day.

Rudy's Strudel in Parma, known for its Paczki parties, witnessed the community coming together for decades to start the celebration early. South Bend's Macri's Italian Bakery and Pulaski bakery in Northeast Ohio were also hubs of activity on Paczki Tuesday, brimming with enthusiastic patrons lining up for their share of these delightful pastries.

As the tradition continues to thrive, Paczki Day remains a festive occasion that brings people together to savor these delectable treats and relish in the spirit of Fat Tuesday festivities.