Today is Fat Tuesday, also known a Mardi Gras, the last day of revelry before a traditional period of repentance in the 40 days (minus Sundays) preceding Lent.

This year, the first day of Lent, also known as Ash Wednesday, falls of Valentine’s Day, usually a day of chocolate indulgence.

Both St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and St. Michael’s Anglican Church will hold pancake suppers tonight. St. Mary’s will serve from 6 until 7 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family. St. Michael’s event also begins at 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, many church will hold Ash Wednesday services, when ashes are used to make the sign of the cross on the foreheads of worshipers.

First United Methodist Church will begin a luncheon Lenten series at noon on Wednesday, with lunch to follow in the church hall at 12:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Darren McClellan will be the guest speaker.