Paczki Day, also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is just around the corner on March 1. Paczki, prounced “puhnch-kee,” is a Polish donut filled with fruit or cream filling – and is a local favorite in Milwaukee. The day before the beginning of the Catholic season of Lent, Paczki Day is the last chance for those who choose to indulge in their favorite fried pastry before the 40-day time of fasting leading to Easter.