If people say they do not like fresh pancakes, fluffy and hot off the griddle, it is likely in your best interest to run far, far away. On March 12, IHOP is hosting its annual National Pancake Day, free pancakes included. 

“I think the best thing about National Pancake Day is that it is a day dedicated to the love of my life: pancakes,” Valeria Sanchez, freshman, said. 

Every year, breakfast chain IHOP (International House of Pancakes) hosts a National Pancake Day celebration. Guests at their locations can order a free short stack of classic buttermilk pancakes in exchange for an optional donation to charities including Children’s Miracle Network, Shriners Hospitals, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

“I think people would go to donate money, and if not for the good cause, then for the free pancakes being offered,” Christian Deneka, sophomore, said.  

This annual event began as a Mardi Gras celebration. Mardi Gras, which means Fat Tuesday, is the day before Lent, a month when Christians give something up. Traditionally meat, excluding fish, is given up. Today, many Christians choose to give up sugar, soda, or social media. On Mardi Gras, many people host parties to celebrate the last day before lent with lots of sugary and fatty foods, alcohol, and meats. Many of the ingredients in pancakes are full of sugar and fat, so IHOP began hosting to put a charitable spin on the traditional celebration. This year IHOP’s National Pancake Day is one week later than Mardi Gras.