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.

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week. In 2024 Lent begins on Wednesday 14 February and ends on Thursday 28 March. Lent is an old English word meaning 'lengthen'.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, has been in full swing since Jan. 6 and will close with a final celebration on March 4 with a Fat Tuesday celebration.