National Pancake Day is celebrated annually in the United States, typically on the first Tuesday of March. This day encourages people to enjoy pancakes while also raising awareness for various charitable causes. Many restaurants, especially IHOP, offer free pancakes and encourage customers to make donations to children's hospitals and other organizations. The tradition of National Pancake Day aligns with the Christian observance of Shrove Tuesday, which marks the day before Lent begins. Historically, this day was used to use up rich ingredients like eggs and milk before the fasting period. Today, it serves as a fun way to celebrate pancakes and give back to the community.