Pancake Day: What is Shrove Tuesday and how is it celebrated?

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, has crêped up on us again.

This year, Pancake Day falls on Tuesday 21 February. It’s always a good excuse to feast on a delicious snack with family and friends.

But why do so many of us mark this annual day by eating pancakes in vast quantities?

Here’s everything you need to know about the history of Pancake Day.

What is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove comes from the word ‘Shrive’, which in Christianity means confessing one’s sins.

Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

Lent is the Christian period leading up to Easter, a time when many people fast or give up something they love.

This time is a reminder for Christians of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and his withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

So, you’re probably wondering – why pancakes?

Well, Shrove was often the last opportunity for people to use their leftover eggs, milk and sugar before the items went off.

Pancakes were one of the easiest ways to use up these ingredients before the fasting season began.

During Lent people give up sweets and dairy and sometimes choose to eat simpler foods – essentially sacrificing what they might usually indulge in.

So pancakes are also great as a last hurrah, before giving up these tasty ingredients for 40 days.

How do people celebrate?

Some might feast, while others might mark this day by participating in a pancake race.

Pancake races are said to have first originated in 1445. Olney, Buckinghamshire claims to hold the oldest annual race in the world.

The event is only open to female residents in Olney and has been in existence for more than 550 years, according to the official Olney Pancake Race website.

It’s said that the traditions first began when a harassed housewife, rushing to attend church on Shrove Tuesday, ran to service with the frying pan in her hand.

Ruth Martin, of the Olney pancake race committee, told Sky News: “The race brings together the whole community with local companies sponsoring us and lots of volunteers helping to make it happen, which I love.”

Ms Martin also added that the runners compete wearing a skirt, apron, and headscarf while also holding a pan with a pancake on it.

Contestants must bring their own pancakes.

Read more:French baguette secures spot on UNESCO heritage list

And in some places, Shrove Tuesday is marked by an annual ball game.

The Royal Shrovetide Football Match is played every year on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in the town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire.

Shrovetide ball games have been played in England since at least the 12th century.

Atherstone, in Warwickshire, claims to have the oldest game of all.

In 2023 it’s the 823rd contest, with the tradition thought to date back to the reign of King John.

Every year, thousands of people come together to watch and join in on the action.

The race to find the winner begins when a large ball is thrown down from a balcony at the town’s Conservative Club.

The game usually starts at 3pm and goes on for two hours.

The last person holding the ball wins the match.

Celebrations around the world

In Poland, the seven days before Ash Wednesday are known as ‘Fat Week’, with many enjoying a bite of bacon, a drink of vodka and dishes that are heavy on lard.

Faworki, a deep-fried dessert topped with icing sugar, is also consumed during this time.

Image: Faworki also known as angel wings. Pic: iStock

While in Lithuania people celebrate the Uzgavenes festival, which translates to ‘the time before Lent’. Friends and family gather during this time and indulge in lots of food and pranks.

Embracing the festival flair, people often dress up as devils and witches in traditional wooden masks.

People also come together to sing and dance, while others walk around begging for pancakes and money.

Pancake Day in Canada comes with a twist as various objects get mixed into the batter.

Image: Justin Trudeau flips a pancake on Pancake Day

Each object holds a different value.

If people find coins in their pancakes, it’s said to be a sign they will become rich.

Those who stumble upon a button in their pancake will become a seamstress, or so the tradition says.

While in the USA Mardi Gras, which translates to Fat Tuesday in French, is the last day when people consume fatty foods before Lent.

Image: Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans Image: A mini doll was found in a piece of King Cake

The event is best known for its parades and carnivals in places such as Alabama and Louisiana.

People often dress up in colourful outfits and extravagant costumes.

But traditionally, a colourful and sweet King Cake is served.

Hidden inside the cake is a charm or a little baby Jesus and the person that stumbles upon it first, is crowned the King of that year’s Mardi Gras.