thenews.pl morning editor's slowly diminishing stash of pączki

On Fat Thursday, which opens the last week of carnival revelries before the 46 day Lent, Poles unite to prove how much they cherish their tradition, standing patiently in long queues to buy the Polish doughnut called “paczek”.

Gorging on the deep-fried sweet dough cakes is a must and a temptation, to which even the most determined weight-watchers tend to succumb.

Bakeries are ready to please, turning out mind-boggling amounts of the spongy, round doughnuts with different fillings and toppings.

According to statistics, around 100 million doughnuts are sold on Fat Thursday. The average Pole eats two and a half such cakes, consuming a total of 500-700 calories.

It is a big set back for those dieting after Christmas consumption excesses. But then, eating a “paczek” on Fat Thursday is supposed to bring good luck. (kk/jb)