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February (Movable) • Food & Tradition

Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek)

A traditional Polish celebration where people eat massive amounts of sweets and cakes, especially 'pączki' (large, filled doughnuts), before the fasting season of Lent begins. This lesson explores the role of food in national identity, the psychology of overeating, and why humans love a cheat day.

A delicious Polish paczki (doughnut) for Fat Thursday

Speaking Discussion

  • What is a traditional sweet treat or dessert from your own country? When do people usually eat it?
  • Do you think it is healthy to have one day a year where you are encouraged to eat as much junk food as you want?
  • Why do so many cultures have festivals that revolve entirely around overeating or specific rich foods?
  • Have you ever tried to fast or give up a specific food for a long period of time? How did it make you feel?
  • If you were challenged to eat as many doughnuts as possible in 10 minutes, how many do you think you could actually manage?
  • In your opinion, is the tradition of Fat Thursday becoming too commercialised, or is it a harmless way to celebrate?
  • Does your culture have a pre-fasting festival (like Mardi Gras or Carnival)? How do the celebrations compare?

Activity 1: The food Pitch

The Task: You are a Bakery Owner. A tourist has never heard of Fat Thursday. Pitch them your most luxurious paczki. What's inside? What's on top? Why must they buy it?

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Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The ultimate comfort food is..."
  • "I think fasting is..."
  • "In my opinion, traditions are..."