Shrove Tuesday—also known as Fat Tuesday or Pancake Day—is the day before Ash Wednesday and the official countdown to Lent. It’s the last day before the season of fasting and reflection begins, so traditionally, Christians have used it as a time to confess sins, seek absolution, and prepare their hearts for Lent. Some churches also burn the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday.
But let’s be real—what most people associate with Shrove Tuesday is food, and for good reason! Historically, this was the last chance to use up rich ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar before fasting, which is why pancakes became the star of the day. Even today, many cultures celebrate with indulgent meals before stepping into the Lenten season.
Because Easter moves each year, so does Shrove Tuesday—it always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday. In 2025, it will be on March 4, but depending on the year, it can land anywhere between February 3 and March 9. Whether you observe it with pancakes, confession, or both, Shrove Tuesday is a meaningful (and delicious) way to prepare for Lent!
Let's dive into the history and traditions of Shrove Tuesday.
The roots of Fat Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, trace back to ancient pagan celebrations focused on fertility and the arrival of spring. These festivities were characterized by unrestrained indulgences in various pleasures. As Christianity gained influence in Rome, there was a concerted effort to Christianize existing pagan traditions, including the incorporation of Fat Tuesday into Christian practices. This transition aimed to channel the exuberance of the pagan festivals towards preparing for the solemn period of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday and entails fasting and spiritual reflection.
Over time, Fat Tuesday became intertwined with the Christian calendar, serving as a final opportunity for indulgence before the start of Lent. The event rapidly gained popularity across Europe and eventually made its way to the Americas. In the United States, Mardi Gras took root in New Orleans, Louisiana, following the arrival of French explorers Sieur de Bienville and Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville on March 3, 1699. What began as a modest celebration marking this historic landing evolved into the vibrant and flamboyant spectacle that is now synonymous with Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans and beyond.
Those origins seem rather odd. So why do Christians take part in Shrove Tuesday? Should we avoid the holiday altogether, or is there merit to celebrating this holiday?
The name “Shrove Tuesday” arises from it, marking the culmination of the season known as Shrovetide, which includes indulging in food that one might give up as their Lenten sacrifice.
The word "shrove" is derived from the Old English word "shrive," which means to confess one's sins and receive absolution. Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a day of preparation for the fasting and penance of Lent. In the Middle Ages, Christians would go to confession, or "shrive," on this day to prepare themselves for the upcoming season of Lent.
The association with pancakes is thought to have originated as a way for people to use up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of Lent began. These ingredients were often restricted during Lent, so people would make pancakes to consume these items before the period of abstinence.
Shrovetide, also known as the Pre-Lenten Season, is the Christian period of preparation before the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent.
Shrovetide starts on Septuagesima Sunday, includes Sexagesima Sunday, Quinquagesima Sunday (commonly called Shrove Sunday), as well as Shrove Monday, and concludes on Shrove Tuesday.
The tradition of acknowledging the start of the Lenten fast has been observed for at least hundreds of years. By the age of the late Middle Ages, the feast of Shrovetide lasted until the start of Lent. It was customary in many cultures to eat pancakes or other foods made with the butter, eggs, and fat that would be given up during the Lenten season. The tradition of British Christians enjoying pancakes on Shrove Tuesday dates back to the 16th century.
Along with its celebration of feasting, another Shrove Tuesday tradition includes Christians repenting their sins in preparation to start the season of Lent. Ælfric of Eynsham's "Ecclesiastical Institutes" from about 1000 AD declared: "In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then may hear by his deeds what he is to do [in the way of penance]."
In many Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian churches, a popular Shrove Tuesday ritual is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes."
Download your FREE copy of our 40-Day Lent and Easter Devotional - filled with daily Scriptures, reflections, and prayers for the Lent season.
Photo credit: Getty Images/skynesher
Shrove Tuesday serves multiple purposes: encouraging Christians to repent of their sins before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday and also giving them the opportunity to partake in a last round of jubilation before the beginning of the austere Lenten season, which is characterized by making a Lenten sacrifice, fasting, praying and several spiritual disciplines, such as checking a Lenten calendar and reading a daily devotional.
Shrove Tuesday is associated with various traditions and customs in different cultures. Some of the common traditions include:
Eating Pancakes and Other Festive Foods: Of course, one of the most widely known traditions is the consumption of pancakes! People make and enjoy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday as a way to use up ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period of the 40 days of Lent. Liturgical fasting calls for eating simpler food while abstaining from meat, dairy products, or eggs.
Pancake Day Races: Pancake Day races are a fun and quirky Shrove Tuesday tradition, especially popular in England. These races involve participants—often wearing aprons and headscarves—running while flipping a pancake in a frying pan. The goal? Make it to the finish line without dropping your pancake!
The most famous Pancake Day race takes place in Olney, England, and dates back to 1445. According to legend, a woman was busy making pancakes when she heard the church bells ring for the Shrove Tuesday service. In a rush, she ran to church—still holding her frying pan with a pancake inside! The tradition stuck, and today, runners flip their pancakes at least three times as they race to the finish line.
The picture above is of housewives in Whittington, England, practicing for their Shrove Tuesday pancake race. Mrs Brenda Hood (extreme left), winner o the last two event, who was confident of completing a hat-trick on her way to the finish line.
Confession and Absolution: The name "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word "shrive," which means to confess and receive absolution for one's sins. In the Christian tradition, some individuals attend church services for confession and spiritual preparation before the start of Lent.
Feasting and Celebration: Shrove Tuesday is often seen as a day of celebration and indulgence before the more solemn season of Lent. People may gather with family and friends to enjoy a festive meal or participate in various activities and events organized by communities.
Mardi Gras Festivities: In many regions, especially those influenced by French culture, Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as Mardi Gras, which translates to "Fat Tuesday." Mardi Gras is known for elaborate parades, colorful costumes, lively music, and street celebrations. This tradition is particularly prominent in places like New Orleans.
Carnival Celebrations: In some countries and regions, Shrove Tuesday is part of the larger Carnival season. Carnival often involves elaborate costumes, masquerade balls, and street processions. The festivities may continue until midnight, marking the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
On Shrove Tuesday, the final day of the Shrovetide season, many Christians, such as Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Roman Catholics, have an emphasized focus on self-examination, reflecting on what sins they need to repent for and what improvements in life or aspects of spiritual growth they need to ask God's help in edifying.
Additionally, many Christians conclude their determination of what Lenten sacrifices they will make for the 40 days of Lent on Shrove Tuesday. While undergoing a Lenten sacrifice, it is helpful to pray for strength and encourage fellow Christians in their fast saying, for example: "May God bless your Lenten sacrifice."
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Mirrorpix / Contributor
God Our Father, As we prepare to begin Lent, help us to remember what today, Shrove Tuesday, is truly about.
Thank you that you Love all of us as your children and that through the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus, we can receive forgiveness for our sins. Help us to celebrate and live that message of forgiveness today by forgiving those who have sinned against you.
Lord, we know that you created the world and you created us. You created pancakes and you created our taste-buds too! Enable us to enjoy ‘pancake day’ in a spirit of celebration of the goodness of your creation. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Source: sjchs.uk
Almighty and eternal God, you hate nothing you have made and you forgive the sins of those who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that we truly repent of our sins, acknowledge our wretchedness, and obtain perfect forgiveness from you, the God of all mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Source: Historic Collect for Ash Wednesday, Book of Common Prayer, 1549
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out ~ Acts 3:19
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ~ Matthew 4:17
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ~ 2 Peter 3:9
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10:24-25
That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. ~ Romans 1:12
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. ~ Acts 2:46-47
Shrove Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent). The date can range from as early as February 3 to as late as March 9. It is preceded by Shrove Monday and marks the end of Shrovetide, also known as the Pre-Lenten Season. This year, Shrove Tuesday is on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025.
Shrove Tuesday is precisely 47 days before Easter Sunday, a movable feast based on the computus calculation that determines the yearly date of Easter.
Shrove Tuesday: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Palm Sunday: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 20, 2025
February 17, 2026
February 9. 2027
February 29, 2028
February 13, 2029
March 5, 2030
Learn more about the meaning and significance behind the Easter holiday and Holy Week celebrations:
What is Lent? and When Does Lent Start?
What is Ash Wednesday? and When is Ash Wednesday?
What is Palm Sunday?
What is Maundy Thursday?
What is Good Friday? and When is Good Friday?
What is Holy Saturday?
What is Easter? and When is Easter Sunday?
Easter Bible Verses
The Resurrection of Jesus
Easter Prayers
70 Ideas for What to Give Up for Lent: 2025 Fasting Guide
Heather RigglemanWhat Is Ash Wednesday? Why and How Christians Celebrate It
Kelly GivensWhat Is Lent's Meaning and Purpose, and Why Is It Important?
Candice LuceyLent Fasting Rules in 2025: How to Fast and Why
Christianity.com Editorial StaffWhen Does Lent Start and End in 2025?
Christianity.com Editorial Staff
