Earliest day on whichShrove Tuesdaycan fall, while March 9 is the latest; celebrated on Tuesday beforeAsh Wednesday(Christianity)
Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, can fall as early as February 3 in the Christian calendar.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day or Mardi Gras in various cultures, marks the final feast before Lent’s austerity begins. It falls on the Tuesday immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, with dates ranging from February 3 to March 9. Traditions include confession, indulgent meals, and tossing pancakes in households and community events. In many countries, street carnivals, parades, and masquerades usher in carnival season. The early occurrence on February 3 gives communities the unique opportunity to celebrate in mid-winter. Across denominations, gatherings blend solemn preparation with festive customs that vary by region.
Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday
Day of Finnish architecture and design, birthday ofAlvar Aalto(Finland)
Finland celebrates the birthday of legendary architect Alvar Aalto by honoring Finnish architecture and design on February 3.
The Day of Finnish Architecture and Design, held on Alvar Aalto’s birthday, spotlights Finland’s rich design heritage. Museums, galleries, and architectural firms open their doors for guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops. Lectures and panel discussions explore Aalto’s modernist innovations and their influence on contemporary design. Public buildings and private homes showcase Aalto-inspired furnishings and spatial concepts. The event encourages the next generation of designers through student competitions and live demonstrations. Across Finnish cities, this celebration underscores the country’s global reputation for innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence in architecture and design.
Day of Finnish architecture and design
Alvar Aalto
Finland
Setsubun(Japan)
Setsubun, the traditional Japanese Bean-Throwing Festival, takes place on February 3 to welcome spring and ward off evil spirits.
Setsubun marks the day before the start of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar. Families and temples perform mamemaki, throwing roasted soybeans while chanting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" to drive away demons and invite good fortune. Many shrines hold public bean-throwing ceremonies where local celebrities and priests toss beans into cheering crowds. People also eat beans equal to their age to promote health and longevity. In some regions, sardine heads are hung at the entrance of homes to deter evil. Cultural events include tea ceremonies and displays of hina dolls. Setsubun blends Shinto rituals with lively community traditions, making it one of Japan’s most colorful annual festivities.
Setsubun
Japan