Easter & the Christian calendar · in 202 days
When is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday 2027 is on Wednesday, February 10, 2027.
Ash Wednesday 2027 falls on Wednesday, February 10, 2027.
The first day of Lent in Western Christianity, a season of reflection leading to Easter.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 8. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day fast of Lent (Sundays excluded). The custom of marking foreheads with ash dates to at least the 8th century; the ashes traditionally come from burning the previous year's Palm Sunday palms. The number 40 echoes Jesus's 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Ash Wednesday is not a public holiday in most countries but is widely observed by Catholics, many Protestants and increasingly Eastern Christians.
How Ash Wednesday is celebrated
Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and Methodists attend church to receive ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross. The priest says "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return". Many fast or give up something for Lent.
Did you know?
The ashes traditionally come from burning the previous year's Palm Sunday palms.
Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church.
Lent is 40 days because Sundays are excluded from the count.
Ash Wednesday in upcoming years
How the date is set
46 days before Easter Sunday.
Because all of these dates pivot on Easter, they shift together each year. See the Easter page for the rule that anchors the whole cycle.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Ash Wednesday, see these references.
Related dates
Ash Wednesday: questions and answers
When is Ash Wednesday 2027?
Ash Wednesday 2027 falls on Wednesday, February 10, 2027.
What day of the week is Ash Wednesday this year?
In 2026, Ash Wednesday is a Wednesday, February 18.
How is the date of Ash Wednesday determined?
46 days before Easter Sunday.