The Origin of Mardi Gras (2-15-2023)

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is upon us! Now, most of us are aware of the origin of Mardi Gras in this state and it’s association with Catholicism and Lent, but did you know that other countries have their own version of this pre-Lent celebration? And it’s not on Tuesday at all!

Apparently in Poland, Fat Thursday, or Tlusty Czwarkek, is celebrated on the Thursday preceding Ash Wednesday. It is also commonly called Paczki Day due to the tradition of consuming paczki during this celebration. Paczki are a Polish pastry, similar to jelly-filled donuts, which are typically filled with preserves, custard, or cream and topped with powdered sugar or a glaze. Many Polish households make their own paczki, but that doesn’t mean that the line at the neighborhood bakery is short on Fat Thursday; often it can wrap the block as people wait in line to purchase their celebratory paczki.

The origin of paczki in Poland dates back to the Middle Ages when the King of Poland brought in French chefs to make delectable pastries for Shrove Tuesday; thus, a tradition was born. But Fat Tuesday or Fat Thursday aren’t just celebrated in Poland, France, and the United States. Other counties that have their own version of these celebrations include Germany’s Weiberfastnacht, specifically in Rhineland, where this celebration kicks of Karneval and is especially important to women. It turns out that in 1824, the washerwomen in Beuel, who were the only profession who had to work during the carnival season (and work double-time to keep up with demand), got fed up and stormed the city hall to in protest; hence the name “Weiberfastnacht”, weiber meaning “women” and Fastnacht being “carnival”. Today, a part of the celebration includes “necktie-cutting”, this is literally the cutting of ties of any men who accidentally (or purposefully) wear a necktie on this day – often a kiss is given in exchange for the cutting of the tie.

From Germany, we move to Iceland which celebrates Bulludagur, or “bun day”, similarly to Poland’s tradition but it takes place the Sunday or Monday before Lent. Italy has Giovedi Grasso, during which masked balls are held with buffets and other entertainment. In Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, Dijous Gra’s is the carnival season celebrated with live music/orchestras, dancing, and street food in the form of sausages (butifara) and cakes. Finally, Greece also celebrates on Thursday with Tsiknopempti, which can be translated as Smelly, Charred, or Smoky Thursday due to the tradition of eating a large amount of grilled or roasted meats.

If any of the above-mentioned tasty treats intrigue you, I recommend you check out A to Z World Food (found on our databases page on our website) where you can look up recipes for many of the foods I mentioned. However you choose to celebrate the carnival season, enjoy and be safe!

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