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.

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.

For many Catholics and Christians, Ash Wednesday kicks off Lent and the Easter season next week. Here's what Ash Wednesday is, why Lent is 40 days.

Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday, March 5 this year. In Western churches, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of spiritual reflection before Easter. Lent runs through April 17, 2025. Palm Sunday, the first day of the Holy Week which commemorates Jesus Christ's entry to Jerusalem, is on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

Whether you’re a devout observer, a curious onlooker, or someone who just loves learning about traditions, this day is packed with history, symbolism, and powerful lessons about renewal and sacrifice.