Ash Wednesday is a day away and begins the Christian season of Lent. The 6-week period that leads up to Easter. What we know on date, meaning and more.

Fat Tuesday — Mardi Gras in French — is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4. The name Fat Tuesday comes from households using up all the fats stored in the kitchen and pantry before Ash Wednesday and Lent begin.

In 2024, Ash Wednesday arrived early in the season, falling on Feb. 14, which is also Valentine's Day. This year, in 2025, Ash Wednesday is recognized nearly a month later on Wednesday, March 5. The day also marks the beginning of Lent, which lasts 40 days, and ends on another Christian observance, Holy Thursday.

Why is Easter 2025 so late this year? When is Easter Sunday date? What day does Lent start? What we know on Holy Week, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and more.

Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lenten season; Palm Sunday; and Good Friday are all religious occasions that take place March through April. With each of these occasions shifting in date from year to year,

Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lenten season next week. Here's what days to look for, leading up up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.