The Christian year

When is Lent?

In 2026, Lent falls on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. In 2027 it is on Wednesday, February 10, 2027.

Lent dates, 2026 to 2035

YearDate
2026Wednesday, February 18, 2026
2027Wednesday, February 10, 2027
2028Wednesday, March 1, 2028
2029Wednesday, February 14, 2029
2030Wednesday, March 6, 2030
2031Wednesday, February 26, 2031
2032Wednesday, February 11, 2032
2033Wednesday, March 2, 2033
2034Wednesday, February 22, 2034
2035Wednesday, February 7, 2035

What is Lent?

Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter, echoing the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. It is a time to simplify, to pray, to give, and to let go of what crowds out God, so that the joy of the resurrection lands on a heart made ready.

In the Word

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.Matthew 4:2 (KJV)

How it is observed

It begins on Ash Wednesday and runs to Easter (Sundays are not counted in the forty days). Many take up prayer or give something up.

How Lent is kept varies widely; the heart of it, across traditions, is turning toward God.

Keep the day with The Living Bread

Read the Scripture, pray, and gather the family of God as Lent draws near. The Living Bread is a free, ad-free home for prayer, the Word, and Christian community.

Get the appThe whole Christian year

Related: Ash Wednesday · Easter · The 2026 calendar

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