The United Kingdom celebrates a distinctive tradition called “Pancake Day,” which falls on the day before Lent starts, also widely recognised as “Shrove Tuesday.” This special day occurs 47 days before Easter Sunday, aligning with the period traditionally known as Mardi Gras in other cultures.
In 1994, the largest pancake ever tossed measured 15.01m wide and weighed 3 tonnes. Additionally, Dean Gould set a world record by flipping 349 pancakes in two minutes in 1995.
Unlike Mardi Gras, which is celebrated with parades and masquerades, Pancake Day is dedicated to the making and eating of pancakes.
It’s important to note that Pancake Day is an observance celebrated by many, though it is not designated as an official bank holiday in the UK.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 Feb | Tue | Pancake Day |
| 2025 | 4 Mar | Tue | Pancake Day |
| 2026 | 17 Feb | Tue | Pancake Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years’ dates. | |||
Pancake Day has deep historical roots, stemming from the practice of using rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the 40-day fasting period of Lent.
The making of pancakes became the perfect way to consume these ingredients, hence the tradition was born.
Today, Pancake Day is not only about the food but also encompasses pancake flipping races and contests, bringing communities together in a fun and festive atmosphere.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 21 Feb | Tue | Pancake Day |
| 2022 | 1 Mar | Tue | Pancake Day |
| 2021 | 16 Feb | Tue | Pancake Day |
| 2020 | 25 Feb | Tue | Pancake Day |
| 2019 | 5 Mar | Tue | Pancake Day |
Pancake Day FAQs
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the day before the start of Lent. It has its roots in the tradition of using up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting season of Lent. The name “Shrove” is derived from the old word “shrive,” which means to confess. On this day, people would confess their sins and were “shriven” or absolved before the start of Lent.
Pancake Day is celebrated by making and enjoying pancakes. It is a day of feasting on rich and indulgent foods before the fasting period of Lent begins. People often gather to make and eat pancakes together, and there are various pancake-related events and races held in different parts of the world. One popular tradition is the pancake race, where participants race while flipping pancakes in a pan.
The tradition of eating pancakes on Pancake Day stems from the need to use up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent. These ingredients were traditionally restricted during Lent, so people would make pancakes to consume these items before the start of the fasting season.
Yes, Pancake Day is also known as Shrove Tuesday. The name “Shrove” is derived from the old word “shrive,” which means to confess. It is called Shrove Tuesday because it is a day of preparation before the start of Lent, during which people would confess their sins and be absolved.
Traditional Pancake Day foods include pancakes, of course, along with other rich and indulgent foods such as waffles, crepes, and pastries. These foods are consumed on Pancake Day as a way to use up ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent begins.
To participate in Pancake Day festivities, you can look for local events such as pancake breakfasts, races, or community gatherings. You can also host your own pancake-making party and invite friends and family to join in the celebration. Additionally, many restaurants and cafes offer special deals and menus for Pancake Day, so you can explore those options as well.
Fat Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday are the same day, with different names in different cultures. Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent for Christians. It is a day of feasting on fatty, rich foods before the fasting period of Lent begins. In English-speaking countries, it is also called Shrove Tuesday, and it became known as Pancake Day because Christians used up their eggs, butter, and milk to make pancakes and other pastries before the Lenten fast.
Pancake Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is not exclusive to British culture. It is celebrated in various countries, although it may be known by different names. In the UK, it is commonly referred to as Shrove Tuesday, and it is also recognized as Pancake Day. The day is marked by the consumption of pancakes and is observed as the day before the start of Lent. The tradition of making and eating pancakes on this day is not limited to the UK, as it is also observed in other parts of the world with their own unique customs and traditions.
Pancake Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Roman Catholics. In the UK and parts of the Commonwealth, it is also known as Pancake Day. The day is associated with the tradition of using up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent. The name “Shrove” is derived from the old word “shrive,” which means to confess. It is a day of preparation before the start of Lent, during which people would confess their sins and be absolved. Therefore, while it is not exclusive to Catholicism, it is a significant day in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church and is observed by Catholics as well.
On Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, the tradition of consuming pancakes is observed as a way to use up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent begins. The liturgical fasting during Lent emphasizes eating simpler food and refraining from food that would give undue pleasure, which often includes abstaining from meat, lacticinia (dairy products), or eggs. Therefore, the custom of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday is linked to the need to deplete these ingredients before the start of Lent, during which meat and dairy were traditionally not allowed. The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday dates back to the 16th century and is observed in many Christian countries as part of the pre-Lenten traditions.
Here are some fun activities you can do with your kids on Pancake Day:
- Pancake Making: Involve your kids in the pancake-making process. Let them measure, pour, and mix the batter. For older kids, they can even try their hand at flipping the pancakes.
- Pancake Math: Engage your kids in pancake-themed math activities. You can use pancakes to teach counting and money concepts. For example, set up a pretend pancake store where kids can “buy” and “sell” pancakes using pretend or real money.
- Pancake Art: Get creative with pancake art. You can make pancakes in different shapes and sizes, or even try your hand at pancake painting.
- Pancake Race: Organise a fun pancake race for the kids. You can give each contestant a saucepan and a pancake, and have them race to a specific point and back without dropping their pancake.
- Pancake Themed Books: Read pancake-themed books with your kids. There are many children’s books about pancakes that you can explore together.
These activities are not only enjoyable but also educational, allowing kids to have fun while learning and being creative.
