Lent 2026

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 and ends on Saturday, April 4th 2026.


There are 154 days till Lent 2026.

Lent 2025 started on Wed, Mar 5, 2025 - and ended on Thu, Apr 17, 2025


What is Lent?

Lent, a pivotal period in the Christian calendar, is observed by Christians worldwide. It is a forty-day interval of fasting, prayer, and contemplation preceding Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection.

Lent is a period of spiritual reflection and rebirth, where Christians prepare themselves for the celebration of Easter by:

  • Fasting and abstaining from certain foods and activities
  • Praying and reflecting on the example and messages of Jesus Christ.
  • Engaging in acts of charity and service to others
  • Reflecting on their sins and weaknesses and seeking forgiveness and redemption.

When is Lent?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, the day after Shrove Tuesday (also known as Fat Tuesday). This day is honored by the tradition of getting ashes on the forehead., a symbol of repentance and mortality. The exact date of Ash Wednesday varies each year, but it usually falls between February 3 and March 10.

Here's a rough outline of the Lent schedule:

  • Ash Wednesday: The day after Shrove Tuesday, marking the beginning of Lent
  • Lent: 40 days of prayer, fasting, and remorse, ending on Holy Thursday
  • Holy Week: The week before Easter Sunday, commemorating the events of Jesus' final days
  • Easter Sunday: The day of Jesus' resurrection, marking the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter.

Traditions and Customs

During Lent, Christians observe various traditions and customs, including:

  • Fasting and abstinence from meat on Fridays
  • Giving up certain luxuries or habits, such as sweets or social media
  • Participating in prayer services and liturgies
  • Engaging in acts of charity and service to others
  • Reflecting on the sequence of prayers and reflections on the events of Jesus' last days is known as the Stations of the Cross.

Some popular Lenten practices include:

  • Giving up something for Lent, such as a favorite food or activity
  • Taking on a new habit or practice, such as daily prayer or meditation
  • Participating in a Lenten Bible study or small group
  • Engaging in acts of service and charity, such as volunteering or donating to a food bank

Lent, a period of profound significance in the Christian calendar, is not just a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. It is a transformative journey that offers Christians a chance to deepen their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and prepare for the joyous celebration of Easter.


Lent dates

Here are the upcoming dates for Lent for the next few years:

  • 2025: Wednesday, March 5
  • 2026: Wednesday, February 18
  • 2027: Wednesday, February 10
  • 2028: Wednesday, March 1

Related: 2026 holidays, Easter