Pancake Day 2026

[Morning Glory]

Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday), is celebrated on Tuesday 17 February in 2026. Its primarily celebrated in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, signifying the start of Lent, a 40-day period of abstinence leading up to Easter, with pancakes traditionally eaten to use up rich ingredients like eggs and butter. Similar traditions exist in parts of the USA and France (Mardi Gras) and Poland (Fat Thursday). The pancakes eaten in the UK are typically similar to crepes (but rather thicker) rather than American style pancakes. Its traditional to have the very simple accompaniments of sugar and lemon with them.

In common with many Christian celebrations the tradition has its origin in pagan rituals. It was originally a celebration of the solstice and the arrival of Spring. Its believed that warm round pancakes symbolised the sun, which is a rather lovely idea.

Here are some I made:

 

[Barriehie]

Mardi Gras just ended in NOLA (New Orleans LA). Family arriving home today.

 

[Windigo]

This tradition also exists in the Netherlands, the day before carnaval ( which is what we call Mardi gras) all fats in the home of Catholic Dutch people get used before Lent starts ( the Catholic month of remembering the suffering of Jesus through fasting). Pancakes, doughnuts and fries are traditional foods. As are sausage rolls, because meat is traditionally given up for Lent too and mince which was used as a filling is easy to make from scraps of meat you have left.

I might join in if I can find the energy!

 

[karadekoolaid]

No pancakes going on here - it's Carnival time. Most people spend it at the beach, so it's seafood, fried fish and lots of booze.

 

[Morning Glory]

Mardi Gras just ended in NOLA (New Orleans LA). Family arriving home today.

Mardi Gras on a Monday? Or was it the weekend? The term Mardi Gras literally translates as Fat Tuesday.

 

[Morning Glory]

No pancakes going on here - it's Carnival time. Most people spend it at the beach, so it's seafood, fried fish and lots of booze.

That would be like the Mardi Gras?

 

[TastyReuben]

We also hold German-style Karneval celebrations in and around Cincinnati.

 

[kaneohegirlinaz]

In Hawaii, it's Malasada Day, with the large Catholic-Portuguese population.

I've never made my own before and I have all of the ingredients to do so...

All of the women would save their rendered grease to use on Shrove Tuesday, later in Hawaii named Malasada Day.
I just asked DH what he was going to give up for Lent: "WHAT? When is that? NAH! I did that when I was a kid and my Mom made me."