You don’t have to be Polish to eat Paczki! And you don’t have to travel far to find authentic Paczki. It’s only natural to come to the Slavic Village neighborhood starting on Fat Thursday or as it is known as in Poland, Tłusty Czwartek, February 8th to celebrate and indulge! Since the Middle Ages in Poland, paczki has been made during the week before Lent. Polish Catholics found the recipe excellent for utilizing all of the lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in the house. These foods are not to be consumed during Lent due to Catholic fasting practices. Frequently described as a donut, paczki is a deep-fried dough shaped into a flattened sphere and filled with a sweet filling. The Slavic Village community welcomes you to The Magalen, located at 5203 Fleet Ave, on February 8th (doors open 5:30pm) to kick-off the week long indulgence of Paczki eating. The festivities kick off with a Paczki Parade from Seven Roses Deli, located at 6301 Fleet Ave at 6:00pm, concluding at the Magalen where you will be able to purchase delectable traditional Polish Paczki, Pierogi and Stuffed Cabbage. Beer, soda and coffee will also be available for your purchase. Bring your dancing shoes and polka the calories away to the sounds of the Tom Katrenich Orchestra. Free admission. Proceeds from this celebration of Paczki will go directly to support the upcoming Polish Constitution Day Parade on Sunday, April 29th.