Chicago-Area Bakeries Celebrate Paczki Day 2026

Crowds flock to traditional Polish doughnut shops for Fat Tuesday treats ahead of Lent

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Paczki Day, the annual celebration of traditional Polish doughnuts, is in full swing across the Chicago area as bakeries welcome crowds of customers looking to indulge in the sweet, fried pastries before the start of Lent. Jarosch Bakery, an Elk Grove Village favorite since 1959, has opened a new location just in time for the festivities, offering a dozen paczki flavors for the occasion.

Why it matters

Paczki Day is a beloved Chicago-area tradition that marks the start of the Lenten season for many Christians. The deep-fried Polish doughnuts, filled with jams, creams, and fruits, have become a staple of the region's culinary culture, with bakeries like Jarosch Bakery drawing loyal customers year after year.

The details

Paczki are a traditional Polish doughnut, usually deep-fried and filled with sweet fillings like jam, cream, or fruit. Jarosch Bakery, a longtime favorite in Elk Grove Village, has opened a new location just in time for Paczki Day 2026, offering a variety of classic paczki flavors to the crowds of customers who flock to the bakery for the annual celebration.

  • Paczki Day is celebrated annually on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
  • Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season for many Christian denominations.

The players

Jarosch Bakery

A longtime favorite bakery in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, that has been in business since 1959 and is now celebrating Paczki Day 2026 with the opening of a new location.

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The takeaway

The annual Paczki Day celebration in the Chicago area showcases the region's rich cultural heritage and the enduring appeal of traditional Polish pastries, even as bakeries like Jarosch Bakery continue to evolve and adapt to serve their loyal customers.