when does lent begin

Lent in 2026 begins on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 , with Ash Wednesday, in the Western Christian tradition (Roman Catholic, many Anglican and Protestant churches).

Quick Scoop: Key Dates for Lent 2026

• Start of Lent (Ash Wednesday): 18 February 2026.

• End of Lent (Western church counting): Evening of Thursday, 2 April 2026 (Holy or Maundy Thursday, with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper).

• Easter Sunday: 5 April 2026.

In many Orthodox churches (Great Lent), the fasting season starts a bit later; in 2026, Great Lent begins on Monday, 23 February 2026 (the day after Forgiveness Sunday).

Why the Date Moves

Lent is tied to Easter, which is a movable feast based on a traditional calculation of the spring equinox and the full moon, so the start of Lent shifts each year. Western churches count back from Easter to set Ash Wednesday, while Orthodox churches follow a similar pattern but use different calendars and rules, which is why their dates often differ.

In simple terms: find Easter, then count back—Lent begins 46 calendar days before Easter (40 days of fasting, not counting Sundays, in many Western traditions).

Mini FAQ

• How long is Lent?
  Traditionally described as 40 days of spiritual preparation, recalling Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, though on the calendar it spans about 46 days because Sundays are treated differently.

• What happens during Lent?
  Many Christians focus on prayer, fasting, and acts of generosity, often giving up a habit (like sweets or social media) or adding practices such as daily reflection.

TL;DR:
Lent begins on 18 February 2026 (Ash Wednesday) for most Western Christians, and on 23 February 2026 (Clean Monday) in many Orthodox traditions.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.