Pancake Day in London, UK (Shrove Tuesday)
21 February 2012
Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) is the day before Ash Wednesday which is the start of Lent.
This is a period of fasting before Easter and many rich foods such as butter and eggs are forbidden so in the UK it's traditional to make pancakes.
They are very easy and quick so why not find out
how to make pancakes so you too can indulge in this traditional and very tasty dish.
Origins of Pancake Day
Since the 15th century villages and towns have held a pancake race. The first race was held in Olney in Buckinghamshire and the tradition is still enjoyed by many and the race is run tossing a pancake in a pan.
The fasting stops on Easter Sunday when everyone enjoys a feast and the obligatory hot cross buns and chocolate easter eggs.
Pancake Day Celebrations in other countries...
In most Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox countries the foods given up for Lent include meat, milk, butter, and cheese and this is the reason pancakes are made so as to use up all the eggs and milk.
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is celebrated in France and some parts of the USA and in Catholic countries such as Spain and Brazil. In Orthodox countries such as Greece and Cyprus, the period of fasting before Easter is called 'Apokria' and starts during the month of February at Carnival-time.
In Sweden Fat Tuesday is called Fettisdagen (translates as fat Tuesday) and on this day the semlor is eaten (a bun filled with cream and marzipan).
Related Pages...
London Restaurants
Easter in England
Things to do at Easter in London
Back from Pancake Day to London Festivals
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