The day before Ash Wednesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, is celebrated nationwide as Paczki Day!
For those unfamiliar, paczkis (pronounced ‘poonch-keys’) are dense, rich doughnuts filled with a variety of different jelly flavors and jams. The treat became popular in the U.S. amongst states where a sizeable number of Polish immigrants settled.
Michigan, in particular, has the third-largest Polish population in the nation, with 850,000 Polish Americans [1] having made the mitten their home. Because of this, Polish culture has seeped into countless communities across the state; including Macomb County, whose Polish population is a whopping 135,788 – the highest in Michigan [2].
It’s no surprise then, that hundreds of people in the area celebrate Paczki Day. From Shelby Township’s Militello's Bakery just north of 23 Mile, to Bommarito Bakery, located south of I-696 in St. Clair Shores – you can find dozens of original and deliciously crafted paczkis for the occasion.
Here are some suggested locations to start your paczki journey:
- Donut Castle
Warren - Giuseppe's Bakery
Eastpointe - Golden Donuts
Clinton Township - Irena's Pastry and Bistro
Sterling Heights - Keto Katz Bakery (low carb/sugar free)
Clinton Township - Mannino's Bakery
Sterling Heights - Vasi’s Cafe and Bake Shop
St. Clair Shores - Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market
Clinton Township/ Shelby Township - Vito's Bakery
Clinton Township
Honoring Polish American culture in Macomb County doesn’t stop at Fat Tuesday. The American Polish Festival, for example, is held annually in the summer for any and all who wish to celebrate Polish history, cuisine, art and so much more! Outside of events, Macomb is also home to multiple stores that provide traditional Polish dishes and other goods, including Srodek’s Campau Quality Sausage, Bozek's Market and Max's International Market in Sterling Heights.
So now that you know a bit more, don’t miss your chance to get in on the paczki-craze this Fat Tuesday!
In honor of the holiday, Make Macomb Your Home is hosting a Pazcki-Palooza Giveaway on Facebook. From now until Wednesday, Feb. 18, post a photo of your recently purchased pazcki and where you got it from, and we'll enter you into a raffle for a chance to win a prize.
[1] October 2025: Polish American Heritage Month by Governor Whitmer’s Office
[2] Distribution of Polish People in the US by Statimetric
