Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Malasada Day, or Pączki Day — whatever you call it, today is the last day before Lent begins. In Ireland, it is Pancake Tuesday!
Sure, it’s officially called Shrove Tuesday, but everybody knows that it’s all about pancakes.
Anita’s co-workers don’t know where the tradition came from, and you’ll find the usual 
speculative bits on the internet. Given that it’s the day before Lent, everyone assumes that it’s all about fitting in some gluttony while “nobody” is watching.
We celebrated, of course. It’s very common to buy pre-made pancakes, refrigerated (or even shelf-stable), in the grocery store. We’re scared of those, and we made our own. Anita says that they were delicious! No lemon, this time.