What is the name of the day that precedes Lent?

Okay, let's talk about Pancake Day. It's also known as Shrove Tuesday, and it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and reflection observed by many Christians leading up to Easter. Historically, Shrove Tuesday was a day to use up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period began. Pancakes were the perfect way to do this! Think about it: pancakes are made from those very ingredients. So, Pancake Day is all about indulging before the more austere Lenten season. While Easter Monday is a holiday celebrated *after* Easter, and Ash Wednesday marks the *start* of Lent, Pancake Day is specifically the day *before* Lent, dedicated to using up those rich ingredients in a delicious, flat cake. It's a tradition that's stuck around, and now it's just a fun day to enjoy some tasty pancakes!