is it pancake day today? Shrove Tuesday falls on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET)

Yes. Pancake Day — also known as Shrove Tuesday — takes place today, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET). The observance precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the start of Lent for many Christians; culturally it’s become a day for pancakes, races and community events across the calendar.

Why the date moves and what’s happening today

Pancake Day’s date is tied to the date of Easter, which changes each year. Easter Sunday in 2026 falls on April 5, so Ash Wednesday — the first day of Lent — lands on Feb. 18, 2026 (ET). That makes Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) Shrove Tuesday, the final day of feasting before the Lenten season.

The day’s traditional purpose was practical as well as spiritual: households used up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk and fat ahead of the fasting period. Over time those practical roots turned into culinary tradition, and pancakes became the go-to recipe because they are quick, use common ingredients and are easily shared.

How people mark Pancake Day this year

Expect a mix of home cooking and local events. In many towns celebrating communities will host pancake breakfasts, competitions and races — often featuring batter-flipping contests and quick sprints in aprons. For people at home, the day is a convenient excuse to try different pancake styles: thin crepe-like batter with citrus and sugar, American-style stacks with syrup, or savoury options topped with smoked fish or mushrooms.

Health and safety remains a feature of public gatherings; organizers in recent years have emphasized common-sense rules around food handling and crowding. For anyone attending a local event, bring a mask if recommended by local organizers and follow posted guidance on queuing and spacing.

Quick tips for last-minute pancakes and celebrations

If you want to join in today, here are quick tips that will have you flipping in minutes:

• Simple batter: mix one cup of flour, one cup of milk, one egg and a pinch of salt. Rest briefly if you can for smoother pancakes.
• Keep a nonstick pan medium-hot and use a little butter or oil; swirl to coat the surface before pouring batter.
• For fluffy American-style pancakes add a teaspoon of baking powder and a tablespoon of sugar. For thinner crêpes, thin the batter with extra milk.
• Dressings: lemon and sugar for a classic, or try honey and yogurt, fruit compote, or a savoury topping like smoked salmon and crème fraîche.

Families often invent their own rituals: vote on the best flip, time pancake tosses, or hold a friendly recipe swap. Those looking for a charitable spin on the day can combine pancake sales with local fundraising efforts, a common way communities turn food traditions into support for local causes.

Pancake Day’s mix of ritual and fun gives people a simple way to mark a seasonal moment. Whether you’re joining a street event, racing across a town square with a skillet in hand, or flipping batter in your kitchen, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) is the day set aside this year for pancakes and the traditions that surround them.