This Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, the last day before the 40 days of sacrifice that come with the Christian season of Lent. But in Metro Detroit and other communities with large Polish populations, the day is better known as “Paczki Day.” Sandy Bakic has spent her whole life making the fried, doughy pastries at the Martha Washington Bakery in Hamtramck. That small enclave is the historic center of Detroit’s Polish community. Bakic says the day has become a festival for everyone in Hamtramck, regardless of race or religion. “It’s going to be festive. It’s gonna be a happy time. There’s paczki parties all over town. There’s paczki eating contests still going on. The Paczki Cup is in our window on display right now.” Bakic says she and other employees have been making the sweet treats since midnight Monday. The bakery will stay open all night to serve paczki-seekers from all over southeast Michigan. Hamtramck also celebrates with a Paczki Day parade, lots of free entertainment, and a generally party-like atmosphere.
