Each year, many Christians observe Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and self-discipline that precedes Easter Sunday. The dates of the observation change year over year, depending on when Easter falls.

　　In 2025, Easter will be on Sunday, April 20. Much later than it was last year, when the holiday fell on March 31, nearly a month earlier than it will be observed this year.

　　But what about Lent? As is customary, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a holy day of prayer for Christians, but not a Holy Day of Obligation. Even so, many followers attend church services to receive ashes in the sign of the cross on their forehead to symbolize their repentance for sins and renewal of faith in God.

　　The day is also one of fasting and begins Lent, a time when many choose to give up something for the duration of the observance, which often includes indulgences like sweets, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and other pleasures. As part of Lent, followers also don't eat meat on Fridays, often choosing to eat fish until the observance is over.

　　The six-week period ends on Holy Thursday, which falls three days before Easter.

　　When will Lent end in 2025? Here's what to know about this year's important dates, including Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, Holy Thursday, the end of Lent and Easter Sunday.

　　When does Lent start in 2025?

　　Last year Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent coincided with Valentine's Day, since all three landed on Feb. 14.

　　This year, however, Lent and Ash Wednesday are marked nearly a month later, falling on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

　　When does Lent end in 2025?

　　Much like Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the observation always concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday.

　　Largely commemorated by the Roman Catholic Church, Holy Thursday is an important day that marks the day that Jesus' Last Supper, the establishment of the Eucharist, as well as the foot-washing of Jesus' disciples, his betrayal and other symbolic events.

　　In 2025, Holy Thursday is on Thursday, April 17, which means Lent ends at sundown on Thursday, April 17.

　　Though it's not a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics, many parishioners choose to attend mass on the day.

　　When is Easter Sunday in 2025?

　　In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20.

　　Last year, in 2024, Easter arrived early on March 31. If you're planning ahead to next year, in 2026, Easter Sunday is on April 5.