Lent is a solemn, 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for millions of Christians across the world. Observed by certain Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Lutherans, Lent is a season of preparation. It takes place during the six weeks leading up to Holy Week, culminating with Easter on Sunday, April 5.
The season of Lent and its themes of self-disciple and reflection are modeled on an account in Matthew chapter four in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, when Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights and tempted by Satan three times.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent for many Christians, and it took place this year on Feb. 18, 2026.
Ash Wednesday is observed in church services that include “the imposition of ashes,” where clergy use ashes — often collected from the burnt remains of the previous Palm Sunday’s branches — to mark the sign of the cross on congregants’ foreheads, stating “you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
This practice symbolizes humility, mortality, and repentance. Some Christians fast on Ash Wednesday, refraining from eating meat or eating no more food than what amounts to one meal.
Ash Wednesday is preceded by Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, the final day of feasting and celebration before Lent begins.
Fasting during Lent
One ritual of the Lenten season is fasting. This can look different across various traditions and individual practices.
Catholics abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as all Fridays throughout Lent.
Some Christians fast by giving up something specific for Lent, such as sweets, alcohol, or screen time. Others choose to take on additional habits, like daily prayer or volunteering.
Orthodox traditions observe the Great Fast or Great Lent — one of several canonical fasts throughout the year, which includes abstention from animal products.
When is Lent 2026?
For some Christians, Lent began on Wed, Feb. 18 and ends on Easter, which is Sun, April 5, 2026.
For Orthodox Christians, who follow a different calendar, Lent began on Clean Monday, or Pure Monday, Feb. 23 and ends on Easter, or Pascha, on Sun, April 12.
Holy Week
Holy Week, the most sacred and final week before Easter, commemorates the events of the Passion of Jesus Christ, from his arrival in Jerusalem to the final three days before his death and sacrifice on a cross, to his resurrection.
It begins on Palm Sunday, the day of the son of God’s arrival in Jerusalem, when he was greeted by crowds waving palm branches.
At the end of Holy Week are three days known as the Triduum: Maundy Thursday, a commemoration of the Last Supper; Good Friday, the account of Jesus’ death on a cross; and Easter Sunday, the celebratory feast marking his resurrection from the dead and the end of the penitential season of Lent.
Interfaith Resources
Read interfaith leaders’ reflections on the practice of fasting.
Interfaith America’s Chris Crawford reflects on an Ash Wednesday interfaith lesson.
Listen to IA’s Jenan Mohajir discuss the convergence of Ramadan, Lunar New Year, and Mardi Gras.
Learn more about religious holidays and observances this spring.
