Famed Paçzki Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Lining Up for Paçzkis | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Frost Covered Bakery Window | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Flavor Selections | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Woman Leaves With Paçzkis | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Detroiters Enjoy Paçzkis | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Paçzkis Fresh From the Oven | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Busy Day at the Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
The Line Continues Indoors | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Skilled Floured Hands | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Media Coverage Every Year | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Police Presence | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
The High Dive Bar | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Line Forms for Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Whiskey In the Jar | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Dancing to the Polish Muslims | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Polish Muslims Play at Whiskey in the Jar | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Polish Muslims Play at Whiskey in the Jar | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Cass Corridor Jacket at The Sea League | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
"Membership" at the Polish Sea League | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Small's Bar at Caniff & Conant | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
The Ant Hall Club | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
The Ant Hall Club | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
The Ant Hall Club | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
The Ant Hall Club | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Line Forms for Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Polish Scene Mural Outside Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Line Forms for Martha Washington Bakery | Hamtramck, Michigan | March 5, 2019
Shot-Skis at Whiskey in the Jar } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Shot-Skis at Whiskey in the Jar } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Whiskey in the Jar } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Serving Up Srodek's Polish Sausage Truck } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Serving Up Srodek's Polish Sausage Truck } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Whiskey In the Jar } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Dancing at the Ant Hall } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Mural Outside the Ant Hall } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Dancing at the Polish Sea League } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
Man and Dog In Front of Martha Washington Bakery } Hamtramck, Michigan } March 5, 2020
PHOTO ESSAY
PAÇZKI DAY
Pączki Day, celebrated on Fat Tuesday before Lent, holds special significance for Metro Detroiters, particularly those of Polish descent. The tradition originated in Poland, where people would fry rich pastries called pączki to use up ingredients like sugar, eggs, and lard before the fasting season began. Polish immigrants brought this custom to Detroit in the early 20th century, especially in the enclave of Hamtramck, which became a cultural hub for Polish-Americans.
Over time, Pączki Day evolved from a religious pre-Lenten tradition into a widely celebrated cultural event across Metro Detroit. Today, it’s not just about indulgence—it's a day of community pride and cultural heritage. Lines stretch around local bakeries like New Palace Bakery and New Martha Washington Bakery as thousands of people queue for the filled, fried doughnuts. Businesses see major sales spikes, and radio stations broadcast live from bakery lines.
Pączki Day represents more than just food—it’s a shared tradition that brings together generations and communities. Though rooted in Polish Catholic culture, it has become a festive, city-wide celebration embraced by Detroiters of all backgrounds. The holiday is a symbol of the area’s strong immigrant roots and enduring sense of neighborhood identity.
MARCH 5, 2020
