Lent is an important observance in the Christian tradition lasting 40 days, commencing with Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles. This period serves as a spiritual preparation for Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ during Easter. Many Catholic believers engage in practices such as reflection, fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and penitence to seek spiritual renewal during this time.

The significance of the number 40 is steeped in Biblical symbolism, recalling the days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and confronting temptations, as described in the Gospels. This observance also signifies a shift in lifestyle; particularly in certain regions, it marks the end of the Carnival celebrations and initiates a more austere period within the religious calendar. The customs around Lent can vary, but the core elements remain consistent across many Christian communities.

For 2026, Lent will begin on Wednesday, February 18. The start date of Lent changes each year depending on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. This detail demonstrates the dynamic nature of the liturgical calendar and its impact on congregational practices in anticipation of Easter, further emphasizing the reflective and preparatory nature of these 40 days leading into the significant celebration of resurrection.