Lent 2026: Key Dates, Meaning, and What to Know
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation that leads Christians toward Easter. It is observed across much of the Christian world, including Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, and many Protestant traditions. While practices vary, Lent is traditionally a time of prayer, reflection, restraint, and generosity — a deliberate slowing down before the joy of Easter.
In 2026, Lent begins in February, making it one of the earlier Lents in the calendar. Below is a practical guide to where Lent comes from, what happens during it, and the key dates to be aware of as the season unfolds.
Where Lent Comes From
The word Lent comes from an Old English term meaning “spring” or “lengthening days.” Spiritually, the season echoes two important biblical themes: Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness, and the forty-year journey of the Israelites through the desert.
From the earliest centuries of Christianity, Lent developed as a period of preparation — originally for those being baptised at Easter, and later for the whole Church. Over time, it became a season focused on repentance, renewal, and readiness, not only for Easter itself, but for the Christian life more broadly.
When Does Lent Start in 2026?
Ash Wednesday — 18 February 2026
Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday. In many churches, ashes are marked on the forehead in the shape of a cross, accompanied by words such as “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The day sets the tone for the season: honest, reflective, and grounded in humility.
Ash Wednesday is traditionally a day of fasting and abstinence.
How Long Is Lent?
Lent lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays. Sundays are always considered feast days, even during Lent, which is why they are excluded from the count.
From Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, Lent spans just over six weeks and gradually intensifies in focus as Easter approaches.
Key Dates During Lent 2026
Here are the most important points in the Lenten calendar:
First Sunday of Lent
22 February 2026
The first Sunday of Lent marks the beginning of the full rhythm of the season. Scripture readings often focus on temptation, testing, and trust in God.
Mid-Lent / Laetare Sunday
22 March 2026
The fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally known as Laetare Sunday. Its tone is lighter, offering a moment of encouragement and hope midway through the season. In some traditions, rose-coloured vestments are used instead of purple.
Holy Week: The Final Days of Lent
The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week, when the focus turns directly to the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Palm Sunday
29 March 2026
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Churches often distribute palm crosses or branches, and the mood begins to shift from preparation to remembrance.
Maundy Thursday
2 April 2026
Maundy Thursday recalls the Last Supper and Jesus’ commandment to love one another. Many churches observe foot-washing and reflect on themes of service, humility, and shared table fellowship.
Good Friday
3 April 2026
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus. It is one of the most solemn days in the Christian calendar, often observed with silence, fasting, and veneration of the Cross.
Holy Saturday
4 April 2026
Holy Saturday sits quietly between loss and hope. Traditionally a day of waiting, it remembers Christ’s burial and the stillness before the Resurrection.
Easter Sunday 2026
Easter Sunday — 5 April 2026
Easter celebrates the Resurrection and marks the end of Lent. It is the central feast of the Christian year, emphasising renewal, life, and victory over death.
What Lent Is (and Isn’t)
Lent is not about perfection, performance, or punishment. It is about intention — choosing to pay attention to how we live, what we prioritise, and where we make space for faith, compassion, and hope.
Some people observe Lent through fasting or abstinence. Others focus on prayer, charitable giving, or simplifying daily life. There is no single correct way to keep Lent — only the invitation to enter it thoughtfully.
Planning Ahead for Lent 2026
Because Lent 2026 begins early, it can be helpful to plan ahead:
Decide in advance how you’d like to observe the season
Note key dates, especially Holy Week
Choose practices that are realistic and sustainable
Remember that small, consistent actions matter more than dramatic gestures
Lent is a journey, not a checklist — one that leads, quietly and faithfully, toward Easter morning.