The time of year when we warm up our frying pans and start whisking is nearly upon us, as Pancake Day creeps closer and closer. 

Also known as Shrove Tuesday the date of the day changes every year but normally lands in February.

Pancake Day always falls 47 days before Easter in April and is considered the final day of indulgence before the 40 days of Lent.

Whether you like the traditional Brits thin pancakes or prefer our friends across the pond who chose a thicker and fluffier pancake, you'll want to get the ingredients ready. 

When is Pancake Day in 2024?

This year, Pancake Day take place at the end of February, on Tuesday 13.

With Shrove Tuesday taking place at the end of February it will see Easter take place on Sunday, March 31.

If you're curious about the word shrove it derives from the Anglo-Saxon language and means a person has confessed their sins. 

The Argus: What are your favourite pancake toppings?What are your favourite pancake toppings? (Image: Getty)

Why do we celebrate Pancake Day?

The day is used as a traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

According to Historic UK, Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins). 

In short, Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes were the perfect way of using up these ingredients.

The traditional English pancake is very thin and is served immediately after frying, usually covered in golden syrup or lemon juice and caster sugar.

Additionally, the tradition of tossing or flipping them is also very old: “And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne.” (Pasquil’s Palin, 1619).