We know that every year, the season of Lent does not begin on a fixed date. To help you plan out and prepare for this year’s Lenten season, we answered some common questions people look for to find more information on this year’s Lent timeline as well as an overview of the important dates you need to remember to help you get ready for your fasting, reflection, and time with the Lord.
When does Lent Start This Year?
This year’s Lent starts on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 That day is also Ash Wednesday. Take note that, Ash Wednesday always marks the first day of Lent. For this year, that falls on March 2, 2022.
What dates are Lent?
This year, the season of Lent starts on February 14, 2024, and ends on March 30, 2024. Did you know that the dates of the Lenten season are always based on Easter? To calculate the dates of Easter, you must refer to what the Council of Nicaea decided in 325. Easter is on the first Sunday after the first full moon, after the spring equinox. Also, take note that Easter always falls between the months of March and April.
When does Fasting Start during Lent?
Fasting starts on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Only the ages of 18-59 years old are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Lenten fasting regulations are simple, you are only allowed to take one full meal. Do take note that eating in between meals is not allowed.
Learn more about Lenten fasting here.
How Many Days Are In Lent?
The entire season of Lent is 40 days. However, fasting only partakes on Mondays to Saturdays, making Sundays not part of Lent, which means that the whole Lenten season is technically 46 calendar days long.
Why is Lent 40 days?
Lent is 40 days because the number 40 has great significance in the Bible. It was 40 days when Moses went up to Mt. Sinai, and it was also 40 days when Jesus went into the desert. Thus, to give significance to those times, the season of Lent comprises 40 days.
When is Lent Over?
Lent ends on Holy Saturday. This year, Holy Saturday falls on March 30, 2024.
When is Holy Week?
Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday and ends with the Triduum. The Triduum comprises of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. So for this year, Holy Week Dates are March 24, 2024 to March 30, 2024
When is Easter This Year?
Easter this year is on March 31, 2024
When is Lent This Year?
To give you an overview, here’s a list of the important dates to note for this year’s Lenten season.
February 14, 2024 – Ash Wednesday
March 24, 2024 – Palm Sunday
March 28, 2024 – Maundy Thursday
March 29, 2024 – Good Friday
March 30, 2024 – Holy Saturday
March 31, 2024 – Easter Sunday
Importance of Lent
Although these dates are important to remember, the most important thing you must not forget is the true meaning of Lent and the reason why we Catholics recognize the Lenten season. Lent is a time to foster and strengthen our relationship with Jesus, our Faith, and a time to ponder and reflect on Jesus’ love through His sufferings. It is also a time to make our own personal reflection and how we can better live our lives in the image and likeness of God.
If you’re interested to do some personal Lenten activities this year, we highly encourage you to check out The Pray More Lenten Retreat. It’s a self-paced online retreat that you can do anytime, anywhere. It’s definitely a great way to add more time with Jesus during this upcoming Lenten season.
Thank you, this was greatly informational. Please note the error in the date under the title Lent 2021 Timeline, Ash Wednesday should be Feb 17, not January.
Fixed it! Thank you 🙂