What Is Pancake Day?

Pancake Day is also known as Shrove Tuesday. It is the last day before the start of Lent. During Lent, Christians often give something up. In the past, people would not eat foods such as eggs during this time, so to use them before Lent began, they would mix them with

other rich foods such as milk and flour to make pancakes.

Pancake Day Racing

All over the UK, pancake racing is very popular. Lots of people gather together in fancy dress to toss pancakes while running. The most famous race happens every year in Buckinghamshire, where women run wearing an apron and a head scarf. Runners have to toss their    pancake at the start and finish line.

How Is Pancake Day Celebrated Around   the World?

Pancake Day is celebrated all over the world and has many different names.

•    In Sweden, it is known as ‘Fat Tuesday’ and Swedish people eat a pastry       called Semla.

•    In Portugal, it is called ‘Carnival’

Amazing Fact

The biggest pancake in the world measured over              15 metres and was made in the UK.

and they eat sweet dough balls                  like doughnuts.

• In Iceland, it is called ‘Bursting Day’.

Unlike the UK, they eat meat and peas.

Pancake Day Racing

Celebrations for Pancake Day include pancake races. In some areas, people gather together to join in races where they toss pancakes. Rules for the races vary. In some, the aim is to flip the pancake as many times as possible. In others, such as in Olney, Buckinghamshire, the  pancake has to be tossed at the beginning and at the end of a running race. Tradition suggests that in 1445, a woman heard the ‘pancake bell’ while making her pancakes.   Still holding her frying pan, she ran to the church in her apron and from then on, the race continued.

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Amazing Fact

•    The biggest pancake in the world measured over 15 metres and was made in the UK.

•    In 1994, a man ran a marathon while tossing a pancake. He completed it in just over three hours!