Cultural Celebrations

About Shrove (Pancake)Tuesday (and Lent)

Shrove Tuesday is a special Catholic and Christian celebration that happens before Easter, which for this year falls on Tuesday 4th March (this week). People often call it Pancake Day because many families make and eat lots of delicious pancakes on this day.

Lent is a time that lasts for 40 days before Easter when some Christians choose to give up certain foods. Making pancakes was a good way to use up these ingredients. Today, many people still enjoy making pancakes on this day, even if they are not Christian.

Shrove Tuesday comes right before Ash Wednesday, which is when Lent begins. Lent is a time to be thankful and do without, as many people in the world are suffering. It is a reminder for us to appreciate how privileged we are here in Australia. Lent finishes with the happy celebration of Easter. So while Shrove Tuesday is a fun day with yummy pancakes, it helps people get ready for the more serious time of Lent.