Shrove Monday 2023: Date, Background, Facts

This year, the celebration of Shrove Monday will occur on February 20. This annual Christian holiday, also known as “Collop Monday,” “Rose Monday,” “Merry Monday,” and “Hall Monday,” is observed on the Monday preceding Ash Wednesday. Carnival parades and floats that frequently satirise a culture’s habits or people, national and international public figures, recent events, and taboo subjects mark the occasion. In addition to marching bands and local organisations, these parades also include local associations. There are spectators at the parades, and some may even receive media coverage. Spectators at the parade also don costumes depicting mythical or political figures, adding to the day’s merriment.

The background of Shrove Monday

Shrove Monday’s origins are not entirely clear. However, the traditions around the carnival and parades may have begun over two thousand years ago by the Romans. In these carnivals, it was common for servants and slaves to dress as masters and play the role of masters. Today, the tradition continues with individuals parodying local and international public figures while dressed as them.

For many Christians, Shrove Monday also signifies the end of the period preceding “Lent.” Christians observe a period known as Lent until Easter. Some may even choose to fast or devote more time to prayer during the week of Shrove Tuesday. During this period, several Christians abstain from meat, sugar, eggs, and alcohol. During carnivals, the fast or abstinence is broken by consuming these foods.

The day is sometimes referred to as “Collopy Monday” in the United Kingdom due to a traditional breakfast consisting of collops of bacon and an egg. In contrast, in east Cornwall, Shrove Monday is known as “Paisen Monday” or “Peasen Monday” in recognition of the pea soup that is traditionally consumed on this day. Shrove Monday is a well-known holiday in numerous nations. It is part of the Carnival calendar in Greece, and in many Caribbean countries, it is known as “Carnival Monday” — thus starting the Carnival season. Shrove Monday is more commonly known as “Luni Gras” or “Fat Monday” in the Americas. It appears that nearly every culture celebrates pancake day!

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Shrove Monday: 5 FACTS

Specifically, Shrove Monday is always observed 48 days prior to Easter.

The old word ‘Shriving’ means to listen to and forgive someone’s sins.

New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, and Venice host some of the largest and most well-known carnival celebrations in the world.

On Shrove Monday, any fatty cut of meat may be referred to as “collop” and consumed.

On the Greek Orthodox calendar, the beginning of Spring begins on Shrove Monday.

SHROVE MONDAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	February 20	Sunday
2023	February 20	Monday
2024	February 12	Monday
2025	March 3	Monday
2026	February 16	Monday