Fat Tuesday or Paczki day has become a staple celebration in metro Detroit since Polish immigrants first migrated here in the 1910s. Michigan is home to over 740,000 Polish Americans. Only New York and Illinois have more. Originally, most lived in the city of Hamtramck, but they moved to suburban cities like Warren and Sterling Heights after the Dodge Main factory closed.
George Kurzatkowski is a board member of the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy. He joined the program to discuss Polish culture and history, and the meaning behind Paczki Day.
February 17th, 2026, 05:56 pm
The Metro
Paczki Day highlights Polish culture and history
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Published February 17th, 2026, 05:56 pm
Description
Fat Tuesday or Paczki day has become a staple celebration in metro Detroit since Polish immigrants first migrated here in the 1910s. Michigan is home to over 740,000 Polish Americans. Only New York and Illinois have more. Originally, most lived in the city of Hamtramck, but they moved to suburban cities like Warren and Sterling Heights after the Dodge Main factory closed.
George Kurzatkowski is a board member of the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy. He joined the program to discuss Polish culture and history, and the meaning behind Paczki Day.
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