When is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is on February 18, 2026. Here's what it means and how to observe it.
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February 18, 2026
What it is
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent — 46 days before Easter Sunday. Christians receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and mortality.
Origin
Formally observed since the 8th century in the Western church. The ashes come from burned palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday.
How to observe
Attend a Mass or Ash Wednesday service, fast (Catholics: one full meal, two small meals, no meat), and begin your Lenten commitment.
Ash Wednesday dates 2025–2030
- 2026February 18, 2026
- 2027February 10, 2027
- 2028March 1, 2028
- 2029February 14, 2029
- 2030March 6, 2030
Popular questions about Ash Wednesday
When is Ash Wednesday 2026?
Ash Wednesday 2026 is on February 18, 2026.
Why does the date of Ash Wednesday change every year?
Formally observed since the 8th century in the Western church. The ashes come from burned palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday.
How do people observe Ash Wednesday?
Attend a Mass or Ash Wednesday service, fast (Catholics: one full meal, two small meals, no meat), and begin your Lenten commitment.
Is Ash Wednesday a public holiday?
Ash Wednesday is a major Christian observance. Whether it is a public holiday depends on your country — in the US it is not federally recognized as a day off.