Shrove Monday

Shrove Monday is observed on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. In 2026, it falls on February 16. This day serves as a bridge between the weekend and the final celebrations of the Shrovetide season before the fasting period of Lent begins. While many people associate pre-Lenten traditions exclusively with Tuesday, this Monday carries its own historical customs focused on finishing perishable foods and engaging in community festivities.

History of Shrove Monday

The origins of Shrove Monday are found in the transition from the medieval period to modern religious practice. Historically, the day was known in England as Collop Monday. This name came from “collops,” which were thin slices of meat, usually bacon. Since meat was strictly forbidden during the forty days of Lent, households had to consume or preserve their remaining stock. Frying these slices of meat with eggs became the standard midday meal for families across the British Isles to ensure nothing went to waste before the fast.

In other parts of Europe, particularly Germany, the day developed into Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday. This tradition emerged in the early 19th century as a way to revitalize carnival celebrations after the Napoleonic Wars. The name likely stems from the “Rose Sunday” tradition where the Pope would bless a golden rose. Over time, the religious associations merged with secular folk customs, leading to the creation of large-scale organized parades and social clubs that still dominate the holiday in the Rhineland region today.

Why is Shrove Monday important?

Shrove Monday functions as a final opportunity for social indulgence and practical preparation. In a religious context, it belongs to the Shrovetide season, a time meant for “shriving” or confessing sins. However, the social importance of the day often outweighs the solemnity. It acts as a pressure valve for communities, allowing for satire, humor, and the consumption of rich foods that will soon be restricted. For many cultures, it is the peak of the “fifth season,” where normal social hierarchies are briefly suspended through costumes and parades.

The day also highlights the transition from winter to spring. Many traditional Shrove Monday activities involve symbolic battles between seasons or the “chasing away” of winter spirits. By participating in these rituals, communities mark the passage of time and reinforce local bonds. Whether it is through eating specific meats or joining a street processional, the day preserves regional identities that have existed for centuries, connecting modern participants to the agricultural and liturgical rhythms of their ancestors.

• It marks the final Monday before the Lenten fast begins.
• Communities use the day to finish meat stocks like bacon and ham.
• Satirical parades allow people to poke fun at local and national leaders.
• The day serves as a cultural bridge between Shrove Sunday and Mardi Gras.
• It reinforces regional traditions through unique local names and foods.

How to Observe Shrove Monday

Observing Shrove Monday often involves a mix of public celebration and private feasting. In Germany, the most common way to celebrate is by attending or watching a Rosenmontag parade. These events feature massive, hand-painted floats that often carry political messages or humorous caricatures. Spectators line the streets in elaborate costumes, shouting traditional greetings and catching sweets thrown from the floats. It is a day of high energy, music, and public dancing that fills city centers from morning until night.

For those following the older English traditions of Collop Monday, the focus is on the kitchen. You can observe the day by preparing a meal of fried eggs and sliced meat, traditionally bacon or ham. In some regions, like Cornwall, the day is referred to as Peasen Monday, where pea soup is served with salt pork. Regardless of the specific menu, the goal is to enjoy a hearty, savory meal. Children in some European countries also participate by playing lighthearted tricks on neighbors or wearing masks to visit friends.

• Attend a local carnival parade to see decorated floats and costumes.
• Cook a traditional meal of eggs and sliced bacon or ham.
• Wear a mask or costume to participate in the spirit of carnival.
• Prepare a large pot of pea soup to share with family.
• Watch televised broadcasts of major international parades.

Shrove Monday Dates Table