When is Ash Wednesday 2026? Dates for Lent, Mardi Gras, Easter
Feb. 18 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 days and nights of Lent, which represent Jesus’ time in the desert resisting temptation.
Lent is traditionally a period of fasting, prayer and reflection meant to strengthen Catholics’ and Christians’ connection to God as they gather in communities like Stockton, home to the Diocese of Stockton, which comprises six counties.
Observers also typically refrain from eating meat for the entire duration or on Fridays and may even give up an aspect of their life they enjoy with some meaning, such as soda, social media or alcohol, to represent the temptations Jesus underwent.
The Rev. Patrick Mullen, pastor of Padre Serra Catholic Church in Camarillo, presides at Ash Wednesday Mass.
On Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes at church on the forehead in the shape of a cross, meant to symbolize human mortality.
At the time of the ashes distribution, a priest will reference Genesis in the Bible and say, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” USA TODAY reported.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season, and with the day approaching, other key observances aren’t far behind. The sacred observance comes as Mardi Gras winds down on Fat Tuesday.
When is Mardi Gras 2026?
The Mardi Gras season, also referred to as Carnival, began 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6 and will last until Fat Tuesday.
What are the origins of Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites, according to History.com.
Christy Garrison-Harrison, an assistant professor of history and women, gender, and sexuality studies at Southern University and A&M College, previously told USA TODAY that Mardi Gras began in medieval Europe, starting in Rome and making its way to France. The tradition then made its way through the colonies, and around 1699, French Canadians arrived in what is now Mobile, Alabama.
When is Palm Sunday 2026?
Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the last week of Lent that leads up to Good Friday and Easter. Palm Sunday lands on March 29.
When is Good Friday 2026?
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and will be April 2.
When is Easter 2026?
Easter always takes place on a Sunday, and this year it will be on April 5.
Holy week and what each day represents:
- Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus's entry into Jerusalem.
- Monday of Holy Week represents when Jesus cleared out the temple with a whip.
- Tuesday of Holy Week is when Jesus was anointed with oil at Bethany and preached on the Mount of Olives.
- On Wednesday, Jesus was betrayed by the apostle Judas.
- On Holy Thursday, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and was arrested.
- Good Friday is when Jesus was sentenced to death, crucified, and died on the cross.
- On Holy Saturday, Jesus was buried in the tomb.
- On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at [email protected], 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
