If you weren’t aware, today isn’t formally known as Pancake Day. I know, I know, it’s a day all about pancakes. However, it’s actually a Christian tradition that falls the day before Lent begins. On their website,

Copyright 2025 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

Lent is a 40-day period preceding Easter Sunday where people from all denominations of Christianity practice self-sacrifice and discipline.

The day earned its name from the Christian tradition of seeking absolution before the start of Lent. Pancakes became synonymous with Shrove Tuesday as worshippers used up rich foods like eggs, milk and sugar before commencing their Lenten fast.

Hundreds gathered at the Casino on Shrove Tuesday to enjoy pancakes and sausages under the atrium in advance of Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Care home residents and staff have been flipping pancakes and sharing stories for Shrove Tuesday. Woodland View care home in Colchester and Brampton Manor in Newmarket both celebrated the day with pancake-making activities. At Woodland View, head chef Luliana Popescu flipped more than 100 pancakes for the residents and staff.

Lent is a period of 40 days which many Christians observe as a time of fasting, abstinence and penitence - here is everything you need to know about it

Pancake Day in the UK is another name for Shrove Tuesday, which is a Christian feast day that takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday. It marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter.

Two new pancake recipes for Shrove Tuesday - Sure, you could stick with lemon and sugar. But why not try a savoury Korean-style pancake with a chilli crisp egg, or thick and fluffy air-fried blueberry pancakes?

Shrove Tuesday, better known as Pancake Day, falls on 4 March this year. Britons will not have to wait long before they can tuck into fresh pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. The celebration, which starts a countdown to Easter,