Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras)

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

For Your Day

  • Enjoy a special meal with family or friends—use up those rich ingredients before Lent

  • Go to Confession if you can (prepare your heart for Lent with a clean slate)

  • Finalize your Lenten commitments: What will you pray, fast from, or give during Lent?

  • Clear out temptations: Finish that chocolate, delete the app, remove whatever you're giving up

  • Have a conversation about Lent with someone you love—what are you each hoping for?

Today's Readings

Read today's Mass readings at USCCB

What Is Shrove Tuesday?

The day before Ash Wednesday goes by many names: Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday"), Pancake Day, or Carnival Tuesday. They all mark the same thing—the last day before Lent begins.

"Shrove" comes from "shrive," an old English word meaning to confess one's sins and receive absolution. Historically, Christians would go to confession on this day to prepare their hearts for Lent.

"Fat Tuesday" refers to the tradition of using up rich foods—butter, eggs, sugar, meat—before the fasting season of Lent. In many cultures, this became a day of feasting and celebration before the solemnity of Lent begins. Think New Orleans' Mardi Gras parades or the tradition of eating pancakes in England and Ireland (a perfect way to use up eggs and milk).

The idea isn't excess for its own sake, but rather a joyful transition—one last communal meal before we enter a more austere season.

How Can I Observe It Today?

Enjoy a special meal: Cook something you love with family or friends. Use those ingredients you'll be giving up or fasting from during Lent. There's a reason pancakes are traditional—they're simple, delicious, and use up pantry staples.

Go to Confession: This is the original purpose of the day. Entering Lent with a clean slate, having confessed and received God's mercy, sets you up for a fruitful 40 days.

Have a conversation: If you're sharing a meal with others, talk about what you're each hoping for this Lent. What are you giving up? What are you taking on? Praying for?

Get practical: Do you need to buy a Lenten devotional? Set a daily alarm for prayer? Put cash aside for almsgiving? Prepare tonight so you're ready tomorrow.