Christian Lent
March 5 to April 17, 2026
What does Lent consist of?
Lent is a period of fasting, penance, and spiritual preparation observed by many Christian denominations, mainly the Catholic and Orthodox traditions and certain Protestant churches. It generally lasts 40 days (not counting Sundays) and begins on Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras. Lent ends on Easter Sunday, the Christian feast that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When does Lent begin?
The origin of Mardi Gras dates back to the Roman feast of the Calends of March, which celebrated the awakening of nature. Today it is a Christian feast that marks the entry into Lent.
How is Lent observed?
During Lent, believers are encouraged to fast, repent of their sins, pray, and prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter. Many people choose to abstain from meat, alcohol, or other pleasures during this period, and devote themselves more fully to prayer, meditation, and almsgiving.
Catholic Lent and fasting in other religions
Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, according to Christian tradition, and is considered a time of purification and spiritual renewal for believers. The specific practices and rules of Lent can vary from one church to another, but the general goal is to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Jesus's resurrection at Easter.
In Islam, Ramadan is a month of fasting, during which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, as an effort of purification and devotion to Allah.
In Judaism, the fast of Yom Kippur, lasting 25 hours, is a time of intense prayer and repentance, aimed at drawing closer to God.
In Hinduism, fasts are observed during festivals such as Navaratri, where devotees abstain from certain foods to honor deities. In Buddhism, monks may observe periods of withdrawal and fast after midday to foster meditation and personal discipline.
See also
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Similar events
- Mardi Gras
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