For people in the Christian faith, Lent is an important observance, as it's a 40-day period in which participants prepare for Easter’s arrival by engaging in a variety of rituals.

　　Typically those rituals include things like prayer, fasting, abstaining from meat on Fridays and giving up one or more vices or indulgences. Some of the more common things Christians sacrifice during Lent are pleasures like coffee, chocolate, sweets, alcohol, social media and soda, among other things.

　　The prolonged period of self-restraint is intended as a way for followers to renew their commitment to the tenants of the church and reflect on their faith. According to the bible, the number 40 is highly-symbolic of a period of testing or trial. For instance, The Great Flood lasted for 40 days and Jesus’ trial in the desert lasted 40 days and nights.

　　Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, also lasts for 40 days, or around six and half weeks. If you are planning to observe the period of sacrifice, you may be wondering when Lent starts in 2025.

　　Below you'll find the date the Christian observation begins along with details on Ash Wednesday, when Lent ends, and what day Easter falls on this year.

　　When does Lent start in 2025?

　　This year, Lent starts on Wednesday, March 5.

　　Unlike other dates on the calendar, like Christmas and Independence Day, the date of Easter Sunday changes year over year. It's determined by when the first full moon occurs after the spring equinox, which typically is on or around March 20.

　　In 2024, Easter arrived early in the season, falling on Sunday, March 31. Since Lent's dates are governed by when Easter is, last year's Lenten season was also early, beginning on Feb. 14.

　　This year, the first full moon after the spring equinox comes later, which means Easter won't be observed until April.

　　When does Lent end?

　　Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. As is typical, the observance ends on Holy Thursday at sundown. Like Ash Wednesday and Easter, the date of Holy Thursday fluctuates from year to year.

　　This year, Holy Thursday is on April 17, which is when Lent will end.

　　When is Easter this year?

　　Easter Sunday is always three days after Holy Thursday, which means that in 2025, Easter will be on April 20. Last year, Easter was observed relatively early on March 31.

　　If you're planning ahead, Easter Sunday will take place on April 5 in 2025.