February 12 marks Fat Thursday — Tłusty Czwartek — the delicious Polish holiday that lands on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. It’s the final feast before the 40‑day Lenten fast, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a guilt‑free day dedicated to fried, sugary, glorious treats.
The tradition goes back centuries. As Lent approached, Catholics prepared for a season of restraint by enjoying one last celebration of rich foods. In Poland, that meant pączki — light, fluffy donuts traditionally filled with rosehip jam and dusted with powdered sugar. Today, fillings range from custard to plum to chocolate, but the spirit remains the same: indulge while you can.
Poles take the day seriously. The average person eats 2–3 pączki, which clocks in at roughly 1,050 calories — but no one’s counting. In fact, folklore says skipping a donut on Fat Thursday brings bad luck for the rest of the year. And if you want something extra crispy, faworki (also called Angel Wings) — thin, twisted ribbons of dough fried and dusted with powdered sugar — are another beloved staple.
It’s indulgence with a side of tradition, a final sweet celebration before the reflective season of Lent begins.
Before you track down a pączek of your own, here’s your Tillsonburg fuel update:
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Pioneer: $124.6
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Esso: $121.6
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Shell: $124.6
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Petro Canada: $121.9
And if you’re debating whether to have that donut — Polish tradition says your luck depends on it. So really, it’s practically a responsibility.
