Pancake Day is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. During Lent, people give up foods or indulgences as a form of sacrifice. Pancake Day provides a last chance to eat fatty foods before this fasting period for Easter. Pancakes are made from a batter of flour, milk and eggs and can be topped with items like butter, syrup or fruit. Annual pancake races are held in England where participants must flip pancakes as they race to the finish line. Pancakes have variations around the world such as buttermilk pancakes in the US/Canada, cr棚pes in France, and dorayaki in Japan.