What is Lent?

BBC - Religion and Holidays : Lent

Lent is the 40 days of the Christian calendar that lead up to Easter, and is commonly associated with a period of fasting. It represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the desert before he was killed.

The first day of Lent varies between days in February or March, but it always starts with a Wednesday, called Ash Wednesday. In 2007, Lent begins next Wednesday; February 21.


The day before Ash Wednesday is more famous, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Mardi Gras represents the last chance to splurge and party before the period of Lenten fasting begins.