International Pancake Day (always Mardis Gras)
Check out the weird holiday International Pancake Day on the day before Ash Wednesday. Learn its history and get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday in the spring is International Pancake Day. Check out the other weird holidays!
International Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is a day that is celebrated around the world on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is a day that marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, which is a time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.
Pancakes have become a traditional food to eat on this day, as they were a way for people to use up rich ingredients such as sugar, butter, and eggs before the fasting period of Lent began. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of International Pancake Day, as well as provide some tips and recipes for those who want to celebrate this delicious holiday.
The History of International Pancake Day
The origins of International Pancake Day can be traced back to medieval Europe. During this time, pancakes were a popular food to eat because they were an easy way to use up rich ingredients such as sugar, butter, and eggs before the fasting period of Lent began.
In England, Shrove Tuesday became known as Pancake Day because it was traditional to use up these ingredients by making pancakes. In France, the day is known as Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday,” and is celebrated with rich foods and revelry before the start of Lent.
The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday continued in England, and in the 15th century, a race was created in the town of Olney. According to legend, a woman was cooking pancakes in her kitchen when she heard the church bells ringing for the start of the Shrove Tuesday service. She ran out of her house with her frying pan and pancake still in hand, and raced to the church without spilling a drop. This tradition has continued in Olney, and today, the Pancake Race is an annual event that is watched by thousands of people.
In the United States, International Pancake Day is celebrated in a different way. In 1950, a tradition was started in Liberal, Kansas, where the town would compete in a pancake race against the town of Olney in England. Today, the race is still held, and the winner is awarded a trophy and bragging rights for the year.
International Pancake Day is celebrated around the world, with different cultures putting their own unique spin on this classic dish. In France, for example, pancakes are known as crepes and are often filled with sweet or savory fillings such as Nutella, cheese, and ham. In Japan, pancakes are known as hotcakes and are often served with fruit and whipped cream.
The Significance of Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday
The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday has a deeper significance than just a tasty way to use up rich ingredients. In the Christian faith, Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the start of Lent, which is a time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection.
On Shrove Tuesday, people would use up all of the rich and fatty foods in their house, such as butter, sugar, and eggs, before the start of Lent. Pancakes were a popular dish on this day because they were an easy way to use up these ingredients.
During Lent, Christians are called to give up luxuries and focus on their faith. Pancakes became a traditional food to eat on Shrove Tuesday because they allowed people to use up rich ingredients before the start of the fasting period.
Pancakes also have a symbolic meaning in the Christian faith. The round shape of a pancake represents the sun, and the ingredients used to make them symbolize different aspects of the Christian faith. Flour represents the staff of life, eggs represent creation, and milk represents purity.
Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday are also a way to come together as a community and share a meal. In the past, families would gather around the table to enjoy a stack of pancakes together before the start of Lent. Today, pancakes on Shrove Tuesday are still a way to come together and celebrate as a community.
When is National Pancake Day Celebrated?
International Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is celebrated on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is determined by the date of Easter. Since Easter falls on a different date each year, the date for International Pancake Day also varies.
The tradition of Pancake Day spread to other countries, including Ireland, Scotland, and Canada, where it is still celebrated today. In the United States, Pancake Day is often celebrated as National Pancake Day, which is typically observed on the second Tuesday in February.
Here are the dates for International Pancake Day for the next 10 years:
- 2024: March 5
- 2025: February 25
- 2026: February 17
- 2027: February 9
- 2028: February 29
- 2029: February 13
- 2030: March 5
- 2031: February 25
- 2032: February 10
- 2033: March 1
Note that these dates are based on the Gregorian calendar and may differ from the dates of the holiday in some cultures or regions. Nonetheless, these dates can give a general idea of when to expect International Pancake Day celebrations in the coming years.
Ideas for International Pancake Day
There are many ways to celebrate International Pancake Day, whether you want to participate in a pancake race, do a fun pancake day activity book, enjoy a stack of pancakes with friends and family, throw a pancake party, or try out new pancake recipes.
Here are a bunch of pancake recipes for you to try!
The Secret Ingredient for the World's Best Pancakes & Waffles
This easy breakfast recipe for the world’s best pancakes comes with a family secret ingredient. Have delicious pancakes at every family gathering where a special breakfast recipe is needed.
Sheet Pan Pancakes - Cinnamon Swirl
Cinnamon Swirl Sheet Pan Pancakes: Forget flipping pancakes in a skillet or on a griddle on International Pancake Day! These fluffy sheet pan pancakes with a rich, brown sugar cinnamon swirl, are baked in the oven in just 20 minutes and served with homemade cream cheese icing!
Peach Pancakes
International Pancake Day mornings got a whole lot tastier with these delicious peach pancakes. This classic fluffy American buttermilk pancake recipe is stuffed full of peaches and topped with whipped cream for a tasty breakfast or brunch. Quick and easy to make, peaches and cream pancakes are the perfect way to wake up!
Eggplant Pancakes (Super Easy and Quick!) - The Top Meal
Eggplant pancakes is a delicious easy International Pancake Day breakfast that is healthy too and can be used as a snack as well. Ready in less than 20 minutes, these pancakes are so much fun to make with kids or by yourself. Serve with sour cream, ketchup, mustard or your favorite dipping non sweet sauce.
Whole Wheat Chia Banana Pancakes
Is it possible to have a winning healthy pancake recipe? Can pancakes be both healthy and delicious? Pancake aficionados, health conscious moms, and toddlers agree: these whole wheat chia banana pancakes are a win for any International Pancake Day meal!
Lemon Pancakes
These Lemon Pancakes are thin and delicate yet bursting with fresh lemon flavor. They’re made with everyday pantry ingredients and can be garnished any way you want! for a delicious International Pancake Day breakfast!
Root Beer Pancakes
Root beer is now being served for International Pancake Day breakfast in these fluffy pancakes. Topped with whipped cream in addition to maple syrup for a real treat.
Banana Coconut Milk Pancakes (Dairy Free) - Homemade In The Kitchen
Serve a stack of these dairy free Banana Coconut Milk Pancakes For Two to start your International Pancake Day morning off a little sweeter. Small batch recipe makes 6 pancakes.
Easy Homemade Dinner, Dessert, and Cocktail Recipes
These Lavender Pancakes with Lavender Honey are beautiful, floral, and delicious! Fluffy pancakes with lavender and lemon zest topped with honey infused with more lavender. This recipe will make International Pancake Day breakfast delicious and way more interesting!
Fluffy Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pancakes
These fluffy vegan pumpkin pancakes with toasted pecans are lightly spiced and have the coziest pumpkin flavor. They have a light and airy, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for International Pancake Day, these vegan pumpkin pecan pancakes make a warm and cozy brunch or breakfast.
Bacon Pancakes with Cranberry Maple Syrup
Get a layered taste explosion on International Pancake Day with Turkey Bacon Pancakes dripping in Cranberry Maple syrup. The perfect tart, tangy, sweet and salty breakfast the whole family will love.
BACON PANCAKES with BEER for the best breakfast ever
Beer and bacon pancakes for the best breakfast ever on International Pancake Day.
Sheet Pan Pancakes with Maple Pecan Crumble
Need to feed a crowd on International Pancake Day and hate standing at the stove? Try these amazing Sheet Pan Pancakes with Maple Pecan Crumble. The recipe also comes with a maple syrup cream cheese glaze that you will love. OMG, it is so good!!
Apple Cider Pancakes
Enjoy the flavors of fall on International Pancake Day in these apple cider pancakes.
Chocolate Toblerone Pancakes. Decadent enough to be dessert.
Have some International Pancake Day Chocolate Toblerone Pancakes. Or make them as double chocolate pancakes by using milk chocolate chips instead. Decadent enough to be dessert.
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes {Buttermilk and Brown Sugar Recipe}
Fluffy, tender Apple Cinnamon Pancakes made with brown sugar and buttermilk are one of the world's greatest comfort foods. Enjoy some International Pancake Day!
Sourdough Pancake Recipe (Easy Version)
With a wonderfully soft and tender crumb, these sourdough pancakes make a lovely companion to lazy International Pancake Day mornings, especially when you pair them with pats of salted butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a mug of strong tea.
Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes
Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes are light and fluffy, lightly sweetened with applesauce, with a hint of cinnamon. If you're craving some fall flavor on International Pancake Day, these dairy-free applesauce pancakes fit the bill.
Easy, Fluffy Eggnog Pancakes
These easy eggnog pancakes make for a fluffy, simple International Pancake Day breakfast. They’re also a delicious way to use leftover eggnog when the holidays are over!
Strawberry Pancakes
These Strawberry Pancakes are full of fresh strawberries and are simply delicious. They are topped with a homemade strawberry sauce and make the perfect International Pancake Day breakfast!
Spinach Banana Pancakes
These healthy Spinach Banana Pancakes are made in a blender with no added sugar and no oil. Its nut free, freezer friendly and perfect for toddlers or school kids. These are soft, moist and fluffy that makes a perfect International Pancake Day breakfast option for all ages.
Super Easy M&M Pancakes
These homemade M&M pancakes are am International Pancake Day breakfast treat! The pancakes are light and fluffy, and filled with melty chocolate candy pieces. This easy pancake recipe is better than store-bought and can be made in no time. Serve them for a special treat, slow weekend mornings, or even dessert topped with whipped cream, maple syrup, and even more M&Ms.
Matcha Green Tea Pancakes Recipe
If you need an out of the box breakfast recipe idea for International Pancake Day, these Matcha Green Tea Pancakes are a must! They are exotic, healthy, and hey they even have a kick of caffeine.
Biscoff Pancakes (Thick & Fluffy)
Thick and fluffy Biscoff pancakes topped with fruit, crushed Biscoff biscuits, melted Biscoff spread and smooth vanilla ice cream – This right here is what International Pancake Day dreams are made off.
The Fluffiest Ricotta Pancakes
If you’re searching for the dreamiest pancakes around for International Pancake Day, look no further than this easy Ricotta Pancake recipe. With golden edges and puffy, custardy centers, you’ll love these pancakes with ricotta cheese!
Banana Bread Pancakes
Add some banana, walnuts, and a scoop of brown sugar and you can turn your ordinary pancakes into delicious, perfectly sweet Banana Bread Pancakes for International Pancake Day.
Beetroot Light and Fluffy Pink Pancakes
Have you ever eaten fluffy pink pancakes? These are the kind of pancakes kids love and they’re easy to make and enjoy on International Pancake Day.
Carrot Cake Pancakes
Carrot cake pancakes are the perfect easy International Pancake Day morning breakfast or easter brunch. All the fabulous flavor of carrot cake in sweet carrot and spice pancakes.
BLUEBERRY GREEK YOGURT PANCAKES
This amazing Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes serves two perfectly and is a great way to celebrate International Pancake Day.
Chocolate Mousse in Chocolate Pancakes
These Chocolate Pancakes taste heavenly with the rich, smooth, dark Chocolate Mousse filling. The perfect indulgent treat for International Pancake Day.
Stuffed Pancakes
Known as ebelskiver in Denmark, these light, fluffy pancakes filled with fresh blueberries make a delicious breakfast treat for International Pancake Day.
Wild Blueberry Matcha Protein Pancakes
Powdered matcha and wild frozen blueberries gives these easy protein pancakes an added nutrition boost to help you get through International Pancake Day.
Mini Matcha & Hojicha Pancakes Cereal
These Mini Matcha & Hojicha Pancakes Cereal are a cute and fun way to enjoy tea-infused pancakes on International Pancake Day. The miniature size makes it great for kids and adults alike.
King Cake Pancakes for Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday
This shortcut King Cake Pancakes recipe starts with pancake mix and bananas and is perfect for International Pancake Day! Drizzle simple icing over a short stack of these light and fluffy pancakes, sprinkle gold, purple and green sanding sugar over the top.
Orange pancakes with buttermilk and cinnamon
Crispy buttermilk orange pancakes recipe for International Pancake Day! These old fashioned, citrus pancakes are perfect for a weekend breakfast or a holiday brunch.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Pancake
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Pancake is baked in a cast iron skillet and topped with a delicious cream cheese whipped cream. It’s a yummy festive breakfast that’s perfect for International Pancake Day!
Red Velvet Pancake Mix [with Video]
Try this Red Velvet Heart Pancake Mix to change up your International Pancake Day brunch! If you’ve ever felt like eating cake for breakfast, these yummy red velvet heart pancakes will do the trick and impress your guests.
Mandarin Pancakes with Moo Shu Pork
These Mandarin Pancakes are meant for wrapping Moo Shu Pork for dinner on International Pancake Day. They are soft, thin, and flavored with sesame oil and totally fun to make.
Chickpea Pancakes
These delicious Chickpea Pancakes are fantastic on International Pancake Day for babies, toddlers, and big kids too. They are a healthy and tasty, protein-packed finger food with added vegetable goodness.
Hummingbird Pancakes #SpringSweetsWeek
Hummingbird pancakes may be the most decadent pancake for International Pancake Day! They are great for brunch but sweet enough to enjoy as a unique dessert.
Rum & Raisin Sheet Pan Pancakes
The raisins in these Sheet Pan Rum and Raisin Pancakes for International Pancake Day are even better than the raisins you get in Rum & Raisin ice cream because they get all plump and juicy when you bake them into these delicious pancakes.
Paleo Carrot Cake Pancakes
Moist and fluffy coconut flour paleo carrot cake pancakes made with coconut flour, coconut milk, and pure maple syrup. These flavor-infused carrot cake pancakes are perfect for International Pancake Day, a slow weekend breakfast, or double as a healthy snack.
Keto Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
The perfect International Pancake Day morning starts with these Keto Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Tender low carb and gluten-free pancakes topped with swirls of cinnamon and sugar and cream cheese glaze, they are the ultimate breakfast treat!
Zucchini Bread Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Maple Greek Yogurt Topping — Registered Dietitian Columbia SC
These Zucchini Bread Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Maple Greek Yogurt Topping are a perfect breakfast for International Pancake Day.
Maple Cinnamon Pancakes
This easy Maple Cinnamon Pancake recipe is lightly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with natural maple syrup, for a delicious twist on classic breakfast pancakes. This small-batch pancake recipe is perfect on International Pancake Day for a couple or a small family if you don't want to have leftovers.
Churro Pancakes
If you love the crunchy, sweet cinnamon sugar topping on churros, you are going to love these Churro Pancakes: fluffy buttermilk cinnamon pancakes coated in crunchy cinnamon sugar served with chocolate sauce to mimic the churro experience. Such a delicious breakfast or dessert for International Pancake Day!
Fluffy Baked Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes
Love to find an easier way to serve up hot & delicious pancakes? ... You're in the right place. This Fluffy Baked Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes recipe is for you on International Pancake Day!
Fair Scone Pancakes
Need a simple, quick, and easy breakfast for International Pancake Day? If you love pancakes, you’re going to love Fisher Fair Scone Pancakes! Using their amazing scone mix, it’s super easy to make a nutritious, delicious meal for everyone without having to wake up at 5 in the morning!
Zucchini Feta Pancakes
Soft, savory zucchini feta pancakes with lots of herbs, probably one of the tastiest ways of enjoying zucchini on International Pancake Day.
Orange Ricotta Pancakes
These orange ricotta pancakes make International Pancake Day feel extra special. The ricotta gives them a delicate, creamy, custard-like texture and incredible richness. There is an extra hint of orange flavor thanks to orange zest and concentrated orange juice.
Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes #BrunchWeek
This brunch treat is a combo of two favorites: fluffy buttermilk pancakes and gooey pineapple upside down cake! Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes are sure to be a hit at your next International Pancake Day brunch. No syrup needed, these cakes are delicious on their own!
Baked Pancake Pizza Vegan Gluten Free Recipe
Baked Pancake Pizza is delicious and easy to make for International Pancake Day. This vegan, gluten-free sheet pancake is super light and fluffy but it’s also a pancake pizza with yummy fruit toppings. So simple, too! Uses commonly found ingredients.
Chocolate Chai Spiced Pancakes - The Littlest Crumb
These chocolate chai spiced pancakes are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast for International Pancake Day. Made with a combination of cocoa powder, dark chocolate chips and chai spice mix. Then drizzled in a rich chocolate pancake sauce.
Cinnamon Roll Pancake Bake
This recipe will take International Pancake Day to a whole new level of awesome, combining their love of cinnamon rolls and pancakes into one incredibly tasty Cinnamon Roll Pancake Bake.
Tres Leches Pancakes(Video)
These très leches pancakes are perfect to serve for breakfast on special occasions, like International Pancake Day.
Kimchi Pancakes
Enjoy the health benefits of Korean kimchi with this simple recipe for savory kimchi pancakes. Perfect for a family or anyone looking to add more unique and/or fermented and nutritious dishes to their kitchen repertoire. Try them out on International Pancake Day!
Nutella Pancakes
Nutella Pancakes are the perfect treat for International Pancake Day, or any weekend breakfast or brunch. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these homemade pancakes are tender, fluffy, light and taste like everyone’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread! Makes 32 pancakes.
MINI MONSTER PANCAKES with COCONUT SYRUP
These Mini Monster Pancakes with Coconut Syrup are so heavenly! They're called monster pancakes because they grow like a monster when they bake. A unique pancake recipe for International Pancake Day!
Curacao Pumpkin Pancakes - Arepa di Pampuna
These Caribbean pumpkin pancakes – known as Arepa di Pampuna – are a traditional dish of Curaçao. They’re made with pumpkin puree, fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, flour and eggs and are the perfect, crispy pancake for International Pancake Day.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Strawberry Syrup
These easy to make Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are made from scratch on International Pancake Day in one bowl and served with a simple, homemade strawberry syrup! They are moist, fluffy and have a delicious, subtle lemon flavour!
Keto Tiramisu Pancakes
Smooth and creamy mascarpone cream fill the layers between these light and fluffy pancakes, with a dusting of cocoa powder over the top! Give them a try on International Pancake Day!
Blackberry Sour Cream Pancakes
Blackberry Sour Cream Pancakes ~ Fluffy pancakes made with sour cream and blackberry sauce that are perfect for International Pancake Day.
Banana Oat Egg Pancakes (3 Ingredients!)
You only need 3 ingredients (banana, eggs and oats) to make these healthy, banana pancakes. EASY, kid-friendly and perfect for using up bananas. Give them a shot on International Pancake Day.
Syrniki (Ukrainian/Russian cheese pancakes)
Syrniki are small, thick Ukrainian/Russian sweet cheese pancakes. They might not have a lot of ingredients and look a bit unassuming, but these little bites are soft, fluffy and deliciously good for breakfast on International Pancake Day.
Dutch Baby Pancake
Nothing says a special occasion like an old-fashioned Dutch Baby Pancake made in a cast-iron skillet for International Pancake Day. This popover-style breakfast with homemade apple pie filling is perfect for a holiday, anniversary, or birthday breakfast.
Fruity Pebbles Cereal Pancakes
If you need a new way to get your kids out of bed in the morning on International Pancake Day, make a fresh batch of Fruity Pebbles Cereal Pancakes! Soft, fluffy homemade pancakes are speckled with rainbow pieces of Fruity Pebbles, then coated with ooey gooey marshmallow fluff. You’re gonna love flipping these flapjacks!
Pancakes with Caramelized Bananas and Walnuts
These 21 Day Fix Pancakes with Caramelized Bananas and Walnuts are a decadent breakfast treat for International Pancake Day – you will have no idea that they are low in sugar and dairy/gluten free! Have these Banana Pancakes for breakfast or dessert – your choice!
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet Potato Pancakes that are delicious and healthy! An Easy Sweet Potato Pancake Recipe anyone can make on International Pancake Day and enjoy for breakfast!
S'Mores Chocolate Chip Pancakes
S’Mores Chocolate Chip Pancakes with chocolate ganache and marshmallow syrup make International Pancake Day breakfast yummy, sweet, and fun!
Cranberry-Orange Pancakes with Cranberry Infused Maple Syrup
Cranberry Pancakes made with fresh orange zest make a delicious International Pancake Day breakfast.
French Toast Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter and Fresh Berries
This recipe for french toast pancakes with cinnamon butter and fresh berries is packed with protein for a great start to International Pancake Day.
Gingerbread Pancakes
These warmly spiced pancakes with their fragrant tang of orange are soon to become a new International Pancake Day tradition. And not to mention the fact that they are delightfully fluffy too! This is THE BEST version of gingerbread and one you will be craving over and over again. Let's make Gingerbread Pancakes!
Xian Bing | Chinese Stuffed Pancake
Xian Bing or Chinese Stuffed Pancake is a dough based popular street food recipe. This vegetarian version of this recipe is made with vegetables and tofu, and it's a great International Pancake Day meal!
Cake Mix Pancakes
Did you know that with a box of cake mix and three other simple ingredients, you can have a batch of deliciously tasty pancakes in no time at all? This easy recipe for Cake Mix Pancakes will make your International Pancake Day breakfasts so fun!
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes | If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
This is the best breakfast to startInternational Pancake Day: enjoying a big stack of perfectly fluffy pumpkin pancakes. They are so quick and easy to make and taste like clouds of pillowy soft pumpkin pie! They have the perfect amount of pumpkin spice and just enough sweetness. You’ll love this recipe!
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