How Many Days Until Shrove Tuesday?
Shrove Tuesday 2026 is on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
About Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in Western Christianity. It's the final day of the Shrovetide season and is traditionally a time for confession, spiritual preparation for Lent, and feasting before the Lenten fast begins. It's known by various names, including Pancake Day and Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday").
Origins and Meaning
The name "Shrove" comes from the old English word "shrive," meaning to confess one's sins and receive absolution. Historically, Christians were encouraged to go to confession on this day to be spiritually cleansed before the penitential season of Lent.
Shriving (Confession)
The primary religious purpose was spiritual preparation through confession and absolution, hence the name "Shrove Tuesday."
Feasting Before Fasting
Since Lent involved fasting and abstaining from rich foods (like meat, eggs, dairy, fats), Shrove Tuesday became the last chance to use up these ingredients, leading to feasting traditions.
Gateway to Lent
It serves as the final day of ordinary time or the festive Shrovetide/Carnival season before the solemn 40 days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday.
Carnival Culmination
In many cultures, Shrove Tuesday is the culmination of the Carnival season (Mardi Gras), involving parades, masks, music, and general revelry before Lenten austerity.
Common Traditions
Traditions vary widely, but often involve food and festivity:
- Eating Pancakes (Pancake Day): Especially popular in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. Pancakes were a practical way to use up eggs, milk, and fat before Lent. Pancake races are also common.
- Mardi Gras Celebrations: Famous in New Orleans and other regions with French heritage. Includes parades (krewes), elaborate costumes, masks, bead throwing, and king cakes. Colors are typically purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power).
- Eating Rich Foods: Besides pancakes, traditions include eating doughnuts (like Polish Pฤ czki), pastries, meat dishes, and other indulgent foods forbidden during Lent.
- Carnival Parades & Parties: The final day of large-scale Carnival celebrations in places like Brazil, Venice, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- Confession: While less emphasized publicly today, the original practice of going to confession remains a part of the day's significance for many Christians.
Shrove Tuesday Around the World
Pancake Day
Focuses on making and eating pancakes, often with sweet toppings. Pancake races are a fun community tradition.
Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday)
Known for extravagant parades, masks, beads, king cakes, and general revelry, especially in New Orleans and French-influenced areas.
Tลusty Czwartek / Ostatki
While the main indulgence (especially Pฤ czki doughnuts) is often on Fat Thursday (*Tลusty Czwartek*), Shrove Tuesday (*Ostatki*) is the final day of partying before Lent.
Fastnachtsdienstag
The culmination of Karneval or Fastnacht celebrations in German-speaking regions, with parades and costumes varying by locality.
Martedรฌ Grasso
The final day of Carnevale, particularly famous in Venice for its masks and elegant celebrations.
Carnival Tuesday
The climax of massive Carnival celebrations featuring samba parades (Brazil) or vibrant street parties with music and costumes (Trinidad and Tobago).