Being a foreigner during special holidays can be a bittersweet experience. While some of us have celebrated our traditions abroad before, this time felt different, more fun, more connected.

On the last Thursday of February, we observed “Fat Thursday” (Tłusty Czwartek), a fun Polish tradition marking the last indulgence before Lent. This day is deeply rooted in Polish culture and is a great opportunity to enjoy sweet, fatty foods before the fasting season begins. During that day we have pączki (soft, filled doughnuts) and faworki/chrusty (crispy, ribbon-like pastries). Many people take it as a challenge to see how many they can eat, turning it into a fun and delicious competition!

This year, as a Polish team living in Macedonia, we decided to share a piece of our culture with our “new” family. We took on the challenge of preparing these traditional treats, unsure of how long it would take. In the end, it turned into a 6-hours culinary marathon, long, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding.

The next day, we saw our efforts pay off. People gathered, first dancing to burn off some calories, then sitting together to enjoy the Polish delicacies. While food was the highlight of the day, it became clear that the real essence of “Fat Thursday” wasn’t just about indulgence, it was about bringing people together.

By sharing this tradition, we didn’t just introduce Polish flavors, we created a space for connection, joy, and cultural exchange. And that, in the end, is what made this Thursday so special.

Jakub, Ania, Karolina, Dawid

Volunteers at Volunteers Centre Skopje