National Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) History

Shrove Tuesday, colloquially known as Pancake Day, celebrates a day of indulgence before the fasting and abstinence that characterizes Lent. In many cultures, including Canada, this indulgence manifests in the making and eating of pancakes. This happens due to the common practice of using up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the onset of the Lenten period.

Shrove Tuesday's roots date back to medieval times in Europe, and it came with British settlers to Canada. Its association with pancakes draws from the tradition of using up surplus ingredients before Lent. This observance's significance in Canada is multifaceted. It is a time for religious reflection for many, particularly adherents to the Christian faith. Moreover, it has a cultural significance as it provides an opportunity for culinary traditions to be passed down, and celebrations to be held within communities and families nationwide.

In Canada, various local customs accompany Shrove Tuesday. Some communities host pancake breakfasts or dinners at local schools, community centres, or churches. These events often serve as fundraisers or food drives for charitable organizations. Each year Canadians look forward to indulging in their homemade pancakes, marking the eve before Lent begins, and celebrating a tradition that carries both cultural and religious significance. This observance varies year by year as Shrove Tuesday's date depends on the date of Easter; however, it typically falls between February 3rd and March 9th.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 National Pancake Day in Canada

• In Newfoundland and Cape Breton, a popular fortune-telling tradition involves baking small, symbolic objects into pancake batter to predict the future of those who find them.
• Discovering a coin in your serving is widely interpreted as a sign of future wealth, while finding a button may suggest a future as a bachelor or a life of hard work as a seamstress.
• Other tokens traditionally hidden in these treats include a ring for an impending marriage, a nail for a future in carpentry, and a pencil stub to represent a career in teaching.
• Many Canadian households and community groups elevate their meals by serving pancakes with local delicacies such as maple syrup, sausages, and partridgeberry jam.
• In Quebec, the 10-day Festival de la galette de sarrasin de Louiseville celebrates the cultural heritage of buckwheat pancakes with parades, music, and traditional souper des gueux meals.
• Although it spans several weeks, the Carnaval de Québec often aligns with the celebratory spirit of the pre-Lenten season, featuring the iconic mascot Bonhomme Carnaval and various winter sports.
• The term "Shrove" is derived from the archaic English word shrive, which refers to the act of confessing sins and receiving absolution in preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
• Anglican and United churches throughout the country host annual pancake suppers that serve as important community fundraisers and food drives for local charities.
• The historical practice of eating pancakes on this day originated from the practical need to use up perishable rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the 40-day fasting period began.
• While primarily known as Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday, the observance is also frequently referred to as Mardi Gras, which translates from French as Fat Tuesday.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Pancake Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Pancake Day

• Eat pancakes! Catholics and other Christians use Shrove Tuesday to get rid of all sugar, fats and eggs in the house by making pancakes, which not only reduces waste but also temptation.
• Decide what you will sacrifice for Lent. If you are not Christian or don’t observe Lent, then consider refraining from a habit such as smoking, eating junk food or buying fast food.
• Celebrate Festival du Voyageur: In Winnipeg, Shrove Tuesday is associated with the Festival du Voyageur, a 10-day festival celebrating the fur-trading era and French-Canadian culture.
• Read a book such as:
  Shrove Tuesday: A Night of Feasting. A Day of Fasting - by Scott Winchester