Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent that leads up to Good Friday and Easter. What to know about the day.

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

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.

Holy Saturday marks the end of the Lenten season on April 19, it is a time to mourn the death of Jesus and to prepare for his resurrection. After sunset, the Easter Vigil is often celebrated it is a a liturgical tradition that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The dates of the Jewish holiday of Passover are also based on a lunar calendar and change year to year. In 2025, Passover begins before sundown on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and ends after nightfall on April 20, 2025. Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt.

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.

In 2025, Easter will be on April 20 this year. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it is a “movable feast” that can happen between March 22 and April 25 on the Gregorian calendar. On the Julian calendar, used by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Easter can be between April 4 and May 8.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a weekslong period for the faithful that comes ahead of one of the most joyous holidays for Christians.

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.