Užgavėnės (Fat Tuesday)

According to the old tradition, we drive winter out of our yards and streets with pancakes. Taking place in February, Užgavėnės is the last day to eat meat, and celebrates fertility and abundance. They used to say that if you eat well on Užgavėnes, you’ll be full, fat and strong all year long. So on that day, you should eat at least seven times, but no more than 12. And as fatty as possible – cabbage, vėdarai, stew, meat, sausages, pies, and of course – pancakes, to the joy of children and adults alike. We make all kinds – from potatoes, flour, curd cheese or meat, with savoury mushroom filling or sweet jam.