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Friday, 12 February 2010 21:36 |
The ‘Podkoziołek’ carnival, a festive season that occurs just after the New Year, ends this year on the 16th of February. According to Polish tradition it was preceded by Fat Week, a time of celebration and eating lots of food. Nowadays we only celebrate Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Great Lent. On this day, confectioners sell lots of pączki – jam-filled doughnuts. Although they’re loaded with calories, everyone has to at least try one!
The carnival ends with the Podkoziołek, a party which takes place on Tuesday night, just before Ash Wednesday. On that day, various traditional Polish regional dishes are prepared, including greasy meat and bigos (a cabbage, meat and mushroom stew). According to tradition, the party should end at midnight. After the carnival, the 40-day Great Lent begins which prepares us for Easter. Out in the provinces, especially in the villages, there are no parties or weddings held during that time. |
