Join the carnival
This is traditionally the time of year when Poles let their hair down, pull on their dancing shoes and party the long, cold winter nights away – and Krakow’s young and not-so-young revellers will be enjoying carnival in the city’s pubs and clubs right up to the start of Lent.
Christmas and New Year have been and gone, and Lent is a time of fasting. So the next chance for a really big bash is not until Easter (April 24 2011).
Among the traditions associated with carnival in Krakow is Fat Thursday (Tłusty czwartek - March 3). As the name suggests, it's a time for eating - especially faworki (sweet, crispy, fried pastry) and pączki (doughnuts).
And, just in case you're expecting pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (Śledzik, in Polish, March 8), think again. Here in Krakow, herrings are the order of the day.