Pancakes Racing: the best way to celebrate the Shrove Tuesday in England.

Here we are:

Probably don’t exist a better way to celebrate Shrove Tuesday than to run with a skillet with a pancake! We are in England, where every year, in late February, the last exception before the 40 days of Lent comes in the form of pancakes. Historically, eggs and milk not consumed before Lent, had to be used up, so pancakes became the traditional food of the day. According to tradiction, back in 1445, a baker had to rush to church while her skillet was still on the stove. She had no choice but to run there, juggling the hot skillet and flipping the pancake as she went. This funny sprint is now recreated every Shrove Tuesday in England. Pancake races spring up in traditional old towns, but also in central London, in backyards and courtyards, and around the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

There are different ways to enjoy this events: for example, some races require participants to dress in women’s skirts and blouses, while others demand the runners don chefs’ toques. Some races allow only women to participate, while others allow both men and women, either racing together or in separate heats. Some races providing skillet, but most recommend you bring your own. The Hertford College website says….”We have found that woks offer a substantial aerodynamic disadvantage in this sport.”

Sometimes, high-profile people, like the Members of Parliament, attend at the races to raise money for charity. The rules are simple: Run as fast as you can while flipping your pancake, without falling or dropping either pancake!