When Is Pancake Day 2026? Date, Day and Countdown
Pancake Day 2026 is on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
2026 dates around Pancake Day
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) | 17 February 2026 | Tuesday |
| Ash Wednesday | 18 February 2026 | Wednesday |
| Mothering Sunday | 15 March 2026 | Sunday |
| Easter Sunday | 5 April 2026 | Sunday |
How 2026 compares
The last time it fell on 17 February was 2015. The next time it falls on 17 February will be 2037.
How the date is worked out
Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) is the last day before Lent. Lent lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. Counting back from Easter Sunday: Ash Wednesday is 46 days before, and Pancake Day is the day before that, 47 days before Easter Sunday. Traditionally, rich foods such as eggs, milk and butter were used up before the fast began, which is why we eat pancakes.
Good to know
- Pancake Day is not a bank holiday.
- Lent begins the next day, on Ash Wednesday.
- The earliest possible date is 3 February and the latest is 9 March.
Other years
Frequently asked questions
When is Pancake Day 2026?
Pancake Day 2026 is on Tuesday 17 February.
What day of the week is Pancake Day in 2026?
Tuesday.
When is Ash Wednesday 2026?
Ash Wednesday 2026 is on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, the day after Pancake Day.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 is on Sunday, 5 April 2026.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.