Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of prayer and penance before Easter. Christians receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads as a reminder of mortality. The ashes are typically made from burned palm fronds from the previous year's Palm Sunday.
Free printable PDF with Ash Wednesday highlighted.
When is Ash Wednesday 2026?
Ash Wednesday 2026 falls on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Is Ash Wednesday a federal holiday?
No. Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday, not a US federal public holiday.
Is Ash Wednesday a day off?
Yes. Ash Wednesday is a public holiday in the United States. Most government offices, banks, and schools are closed.
How many days until Ash Wednesday 2026?
Use our live countdown above to see exactly how many days until Ash Wednesday 2026 (February 18, 2026).