Ever heard of paczki? Maybe not by that name, but almost everyone has eaten a jelly-filled dougnut, which is basically what paczki is. Paczki Day/Candlemass celebrations will be held on February 2 and 3 at the Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle and at the Hearthstone Manor, respectively. This Polish celebration is the last hurrah before the start of the Lenten season. Traditionally, sweet and rich foods were forbidden during Lent, so extra fruit, sugar and eggs that needed to be disposed of were made into the delicious, fruit-filled doughnuts known as paczki. At the Mickiewicz Library festivities will kick off with a presentation on the customs and cooking associated with Carnival time in Poland. The event at the Hearthstone Manor on Sunday is hosted by Western New York’s Polish Heritage Dancers. You can dance your favorite polkas, eat authentic Polish cuisine, and drink some Polish beer. Paczki Day is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of Western New York’s Polish heritage—and on that note, volunteers and participants are needed for the Dyngus Day Parade on March 24. If you have fun on Paczki Day, be sure to visit dyngusdaybuffalo.com to find out more.

5pm Saturday at the Adam Mickiewicz Library, 612 Fillmore Ave. (847-0839). 1-7pm Sunday at the Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Rd., Depew (684-8850). $8 at the door ($2 for kids under 12)