when is the start of lent 2026

Lent 2026 starts on Ash Wednesday, February 18. This marks the beginning of the 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5.

Key Dates

Lent in Western Christianity (Catholic and Protestant traditions) follows a fixed liturgical calendar tied to Easter, which shifts annually based on the first full moon after the spring equinox.

Event| Date in 2026| Notes 135
---|---|---
Ash Wednesday| Wednesday, February 18| Official start; ashes on forehead symbolize repentance.
Lent Ends| Thursday, April 2 (evening mass)| Excludes Sundays from the 40-day count, totaling 46 calendar days.
Palm Sunday| April 5| Begins Holy Week.
Easter Sunday| April 5| Celebrates Christ's resurrection.

Orthodox Lent (Great Lent) starts later, on Monday, February 23, following a different calendar.

Why These Dates?

The 40 days echo Jesus' fasting in the desert, excluding Sundays as "mini- Easters" of celebration. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter to achieve this count. In 2026, with Easter on April 5, calculations align precisely from February 18.

Traditions and Practices

Christians often fast (one full meal, two smaller ones), abstain from meat on Fridays, and focus on penance. Many "give something up" like sweets or social media, or add positive habits like prayer apps or charity.

• Fasting rules : Mandatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for ages 18-59 (Catholics).

• Popular guides : Apps like Hallow or Lectio 365 offer daily devotionals.

• Family tips : Teach kids through crafts or simple sacrifices, avoiding strict food fasts.

"Lent is the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays because every Sunday is like a little Easter." – upperroom.org, echoed in church blogs.

Trending Context

As of February 2026, forums buzz with prep: Reddit's r/Catholicism seeks fasting advice, emphasizing discipline over reading. Churches like St. Jude Shrine share reflections on "doing Lent differently" via nature or desert themes. No major news shifts dates, but resources proliferate post-2025 Easter.

**TL;DR: Lent 2026 begins February 18 (Ash Wednesday), ends April 2—plan your fasts and prayers accordingly.

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