When does Lent start?
Lent is on Feb 18 – Apr 4, 2026. Here's what it means and how to observe it.
Next
Feb 18 – Apr 4, 2026
What it is
Lent is the 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving that precedes Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday.
Origin
Modeled after the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. The 40-day observance dates to the Council of Nicaea (325 AD).
How to observe
Give something up (a habit, a food) or take something on (daily prayer, service). Fridays in Lent are meatless for Catholics. Attend Stations of the Cross weekly.
Lent dates 2025–2030
- 2026Feb 18 – Apr 4, 2026
- 2027Feb 10 – Mar 27, 2027
- 2028Mar 1 – Apr 15, 2028
- 2029Feb 14 – Mar 31, 2029
- 2030Mar 6 – Apr 20, 2030
Popular questions about Lent
When is Lent 2026?
Lent 2026 is on Feb 18 – Apr 4, 2026.
Why does the date of Lent change every year?
Modeled after the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. The 40-day observance dates to the Council of Nicaea (325 AD).
How do people observe Lent?
Give something up (a habit, a food) or take something on (daily prayer, service). Fridays in Lent are meatless for Catholics. Attend Stations of the Cross weekly.
Is Lent a public holiday?
Lent 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.