is it pancake day today? No — Pancake Day fell on Feb. 17, 2026

Short answer: no. Pancake Day, also called Shrove Tuesday, was observed on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 (Eastern Time). The day is the last feast day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, which began on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 (Eastern Time). Here’s what that means this year and how communities marked the tradition.

Why the date changes and where Feb. 17 came from

Pancake Day is tied to the date of Easter, which moves each year based on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox and the lunar cycle. Because Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter, Shrove Tuesday always sits the day before—so the date varies across February and March. In 2026, Easter fell on April 5, putting Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and Shrove Tuesday on Feb. 17 (all dates Eastern Time).

The day historically served as a last opportunity to use up rich foods like eggs, butter and milk before the Lenten fasting period. That practical origin gave rise to the modern pancake tradition in many countries.

How communities marked Pancake Day this year

Across towns and cities, cities and parish halls hosted pancake breakfasts, charity flips and family gatherings on Feb. 17. Many communities revived in-person Pancake Day fairs and races that were scaled back in recent years, while smaller events focused on fund-raising for local causes. Chefs and home cooks leaned on classic recipes and quick tips for fluffy pancakes and creative toppings.

Religious services and community centers used the day to offer last-minute opportunities for confession, reflection and charitable donations. For many, the ritual remains less about abstention and more about communal feasting and tradition.

Practical takeaways and what comes next

If you missed Pancake Day this year, you still have time to enjoy Lenten observances or to host your own pancake meal outside the traditional calendar. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent on Feb. 18, 2026 (Eastern Time), a period observed by many Christians with fasting, reflection, or other acts of penitence through Holy Week and up to Easter.

For planners and food fans: mark your calendars for next year if you want to schedule events in advance. Because the date moves with Easter, Pancake Day will fall on a different day in 2027 and beyond. If you need a quick do-over, organize a casual pancake night—many bakeries and grocers report steady demand for batter and toppings in the days around Shrove Tuesday.

Bottom line: if you asked this morning, the clear answer is no—Pancake Day was on Feb. 17, 2026. Communities celebrated with a mix of longstanding customs and contemporary events, and Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18, 2026 officially ushered in the Lenten season.