It is Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Pancake Day, and when I was in the supermarket earlier in the evening, I overheard the following conversation.
Woman: Oh, hello, I thought it was you! Looking for dinner?
Man: Oh, hi, yes, we’re going to make pancakes, as it’s Pancake Tuesday, but I thought we might get hungry afterwards.
Woman: That sounds nice. So what are you going to give up for Lent?
Man: Is Lent starting?
Women: It’s Shrove Tuesday today, so tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, and Lent starts.
Man: Oh, OK, how long is Lent?
I suppose Pancake Tuesday is just that: a day to make and consume pancakes, stripped of any religious significance. Easter equals (chocolate) eggs and bunnies, but I cannot see how Shrove Tuesday can be commercialized beyond pancakes.