Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a widely celebrated tradition that brings families together to indulge in delicious pancakes. For many, it’s the final day to use up rich ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar before the austerity of Lent begins. Whether you’re looking for creative pancake ideas or want to learn about global pancake traditions, this article offers plenty of Pancake Day ideas and inspiration for mums and kids to enjoy this fun-filled day.
1. Pancake Day in the UK: A Cultural Tradition
In the UK, Pancake Day is deeply rooted in history, with one of the most famous customs being the Pancake Day Race. Held annually in Olney, Buckinghamshire, participants race through the streets while flipping pancakes in frying pans. The tradition dates back to 1445 and is a fun reminder of the day’s origins in using up ingredients before Lent.
Another popular activity is the pancake toss. According to old traditions, tossing the pancake in the pan symbolised the need to rid oneself of excess fats and indulgence before the fasting period began. Today, it’s more about having fun, especially for kids who can compete to see who can flip their pancake the highest or most successfully.
2. International Pancake Day Traditions
Though celebrated worldwide, Pancake Day has different flavours depending on where you are.
In France: Crêpes and La Chandeleur
In France, Pancake Day, or La Chandeleur, is celebrated on 2nd February. Unlike the thicker British pancakes, French crêpes are thinner and often enjoyed in both sweet and savoury forms. The tradition of making crêpes has been linked to La Chandeleur for centuries, a festival that marks the midpoint between winter and spring. The crêpes were originally made as a symbol of the return of the sun and were believed to bring good luck for the harvest.
A fun fact about French crêpes: it’s a popular custom to try and flip the crêpe with one hand while holding a coin in the other hand. This is said to bring wealth and prosperity for the coming year. French Crêpes are often served with a variety of fillings, from lemon juice and sugar to Nutella or fresh fruits. Crêpes Suzette, a classic French dish, is made by flambéing the crêpes in orange liqueur and is a dramatic and delicious way to enjoy this treat.
In addition to La Chandeleur, crêpes also feature prominently in the French Mardi Gras celebrations (the same day as Shrove Tuesday), making them a significant part of the pre-Lenten festivities.
Check out family favourite, French conserve brand, Bonne Maman‘s recipes:
A vibrant tower of light and fluffy buttermilk crêpes stacked high with an ombré effect using Bonne Maman Black Cherry Conserve. Perfect for a fruit-filled weekend brunch with friends or a fun treat after a busy week. Serve alongside a generous serving of Black Cherry Conserve and fresh fruit for a morning that is stacked with flavour!
A simple and easy way to bring a little extra magic to the classic crêpe recipe. Pipe a layer of Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread in a spiral shape into the pan before ladling in the crêpe batter. Top with a generous serving of your favourite Bonne Maman fruity Conserve to create a delicious balance with the rich Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.
A show-stopping crêpe recipe, perfect for celebrating Pancake Day itself! Simply stack the thin lace-like crêpes high between layers of Strawberry Intense and whipped cream, made from mascarpone cheese and icing sugar. Pipe more whipped cream on the top crêpe for the final touch.
Crêpe Cones with Apricot Intense
An indulgent breakfast perfect for Pancake Day celebrations using Bonne Maman Apricot Intense. Simply fill the crêpes with fresh apricots, whipped cream and Apricot Intense and roll into a cone shape for a twist on the classic French crêpe. For the final touch, sprinkle with a handful of flaked almonds.
In Sweden: Fettisdagen and Pancakes
Swedes celebrate Fettisdagen, or Fat Tuesday, with both pancakes and semla (a cardamom bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream). The Swedish pancake, thinner than American pancakes but thicker than French crêpes, is typically served with lingonberries and cream. In Sweden, Pancake Day is a time to indulge in rich foods before the fasting of Lent begins.
In the United States: Mardi Gras Madness
Across the Atlantic in the United States, Pancake Day is part of the wider Mardi Gras celebrations, particularly in New Orleans. Known for its colourful parades, masquerades, and street parties, Mardi Gras also embraces the tradition of feasting before Lent. Pancakes are often served in their richest forms, loaded with whipped cream, syrup, and chocolate chips.
3. Pancake Day Ideas for Mums and Kids
Pancake Day isn’t just about the pancakes – it’s also about having fun as a family. Here are some ideas to make the day even more special:
- Pancake Art: Use food colouring to create fun pancake designs. Challenge your kids to make their pancakes into fun shapes or characters like animals or superheroes.
- Pancake Toppings Station: Set up a toppings bar where your kids can get creative with fruit, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and syrups.
- Pancake Flipping Challenge: Host a pancake flipping competition to see who can flip their pancake the highest or catch it the most times. You can even have the kids decorate their pancakes afterward.
4. Fun Pancake Day Facts
- Pancake Day Origins: The tradition of eating pancakes before Lent dates back over 1,000 years in the UK. The earliest recorded Pancake Day race took place in Olney in 1445.
- Good Luck Crêpes: In France, flipping a crêpe with one hand while holding a coin in the other is believed to bring good fortune.
- Mardi Gras: In the United States, Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) is an extravagant celebration that also includes eating pancakes and other rich foods before the start of Lent.
5. A Global Pancake Adventure
Whether you’re making French crêpes, British pancakes, or Swedish Fettisdagen pancakes, Pancake Day is a fun and delicious tradition that brings people together. From the French tradition of La Chandeleur to the British Pancake Day Races, there are countless ways to celebrate this culinary event with your family. So, grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a flipping good time!
Explore more Pancake Day recipes and ideas here.
