This is indeed how the gentry used to enjoy the carnival ages ago. But even if today the parties are less lavish than they used to be, Poles still like to party until dawn.
The carnival, or a period of grand parties and eating in excess, would start after the Epiphany and end on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday which marked the beginning of Lent. In the past, the carnival was the time for partying until dawn and for lavish feasts. Tables would groan under the weight of meat dishes (freshly hunted game was especially popular). The dishes were very fatty, always fried in lard. Large amounts of animal fat were used even for baking cakes. Strong alcohols were drunk, mainly vodka and meads. Hunts and sleigh rides added up to the general atmosphere of joy.

Today, practical and economical Poznań citizens do not entertain so lavishly, yet the carnival remains the time for balls and parties.
Naturally, Poland is not Brazil and our climate is not so favourable at that time of year. Thus, many Poles would be happy to shift the carnival to summer time, as warm nights definitely favour merrymaking. But one has to be happy with what one has so in the carnival, Poles take to partying anyway, even if the parties are in pubs and restaurants, rather than in the streets as it is the case in Rio de Janeiro or Venice. Many companies organise parties for their employees at this time of year and groups of friends also meet to eat and dance together. A special meeting is held at Poznań Castle by the Mayor of the City and theatres and concert halls play carnival programmes.

Many people, especially young Poznań citizens, organise carnival parties at homes. Fancy dress balls and discos also take place at schools and kindergartens.
The carnival is also a favourite time for scheduling weddings and wedding reception.
In the past, Polish carnival ended with a traditional Shrove Week, that is the last moments of dancing and eating in excess before the start of Lent. Today, we only celebrate Shrove Thursday. On that particular day, confectioners sell great numbers of doughnuts. In Poland, doughnuts are round deep-fried preserve-filled buns. Although they are very calorific, everyone has to have at least one on that day.
The carnival ends with Podkoziołek, which is a party held on the evening before Ash Wednesday. Depending on the region, Poles prepare traditional dishes, fatty meats, or bigos (cabbage dish with meat and mushrooms). According to the tradition, merrymaking should end at midnight.
The carnival is followed by Lent which is a forty-day period traditionally to be spent on preparing for Easter. There are still no parties or wedding receptions in those forty days in Poland.