International Pancake Day (Always Mardis Gras)
International Pancake Day, also called Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It’s a day built around one very important mission: eating as many pancakes as possible before Lent begins.
Historically, this was the last chance to use up rich ingredients like eggs, butter, milk, and sugar before a period of fasting. Today, it’s become a joyful food holiday filled with flipping contests, community races, and creative pancake stacks around the world.
When is the Holiday?
The date changes each year because it’s tied to Easter. It always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Upcoming dates:
• 2026 – February 17
• 2027 – February 9
• 2028 – February 29
• 2029 – February 13
Who Invented It?
No single person invented International Pancake Day. It developed naturally in medieval Europe as part of the Christian calendar.
One of the most famous traditions comes from Olney, England, where the Pancake Race has been running since 1445. Legend says a woman heard church bells while cooking pancakes and ran to church still holding her frying pan. The town turned it into an annual race, and it’s still happening today.
The History of the Holiday
Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the word “shrive,” meaning to confess sins before Lent. It became common to clean out pantries of rich foods, which naturally led to making pancakes.
In France, the day is known as Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday,” and it’s marked with parades, feasting, and celebrations. Other countries added their own traditions, including:
• England’s pancake races
• Crêpe festivals in France
• Blini celebrations in Russia
• Fluffy soufflé pancakes in Japan
In 1950, Liberal, Kansas, even started a friendly international race competition with Olney, England. Runners in both towns compete every year across the ocean.
Fun Pancake Facts
- The Olney Pancake Race has been held for over 500 years.
- Pancakes were once considered a symbolic “sun food,” representing warmth and renewal.
- The world’s largest pancake weighed over 6,600 pounds and measured nearly 50 feet wide.
- Some cultures flip pancakes for good luck.
- Japan’s soufflé pancakes can take over 20 minutes to cook properly.
Coloring Page
This free pancake coloring page is a fun way for kids to celebrate International Pancake Day while getting creative with their favorite toppings.
Activities to Celebrate
- Host a pancake bar – Set out toppings like fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, syrups, and nut butters so everyone can build their own stack.
- Try international styles – Make French crêpes, Russian blini, or thick Japanese pancakes for a global twist.
- Hold a pancake race – Give everyone a pan and see who can flip a pancake while running to the finish line.
- Get kids involved – Let them help mix batter, flip pancakes, or decorate their plates with smiley faces.
- Make it a tradition – Turn it into an annual family breakfast you look forward to every year.
Related Recipes
Looking for pancake inspiration? Try these unique recipes:
- Sheet Pan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes – Oven-baked and perfect for feeding a crowd without flipping.
- Lemon Pancakes – Light, fluffy, and bright with citrus flavor.
- Banana Coconut Milk Pancakes – Dairy-free and naturally sweet.
- Churro Pancakes – Coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Pancakes – Baked in a pan with cozy spices and melty chocolate.
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Links to Resources
- Pancake Day Activity Book – A fun and engaging book filled with pancake-themed puzzles, coloring pages, and educational activities for kids to enjoy.
- Crepe Pan – The perfect pan for making thin, delicate crêpes or evenly cooked pancakes with a professional touch.
- Pancake Batter Dispenser – Make pouring pancake batter easier and mess-free with this handy kitchen tool, ideal for creating perfectly shaped pancakes every time.
Related Holidays
National Blueberry Pancake Day (January 28) – A celebration of one of the most popular pancake flavors, perfect for breakfast lovers.
National Crepe Day (February 2) – Highlights thin, delicate pancakes enjoyed in both sweet and savory styles.
National Sticky Bun Day (February 21) – Honors the gooey, cinnamon-swirled pastry that pairs perfectly with a stack of pancakes and a hot cup of coffee.
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