Lent is a Christian Festival. In the past it was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up all rich food. The day before Lent starts is known as Shrove

It was a time for spring-cleaning lives, as well as homes

When does Lent begin?

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts for six and a half weeks.

Lent is a moveable feast which means the date changes from year to year.

What happens during Lent today?

The Christian church no longer imposes a strict fast. Lent is a time when Christians try to overcome their own faults because we believe that it was man's sin which led Jesus to be crucified.

 We try to follow the example of Jesus in the desert by giving up luxuries and practising self-discipline. And we try to put aside more time for prayer so that we can really let God into our lives.              

Why does Lent last for 40 days?

Lent is a time when Christians remember the 40 days and nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food being tempted by the Devil. Jesus used this time to prepare for His work by fasting and praying.

Luke's Gospel says:

'Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.'

So, as in the Bible, Christians spend forty days in preparing themselves to rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.

Bible Study
Many churches hold special Lent services and lent courses . In some towns the churches of different denominations join together in groups to discuss and share their Christian faith.

When does Lent end?

Lent ends at Easter when Christians remember the execution of Jesus and then celebrate his rising from death.

For Christians, Easter is not just about one day but at least a whole week called Holy Week. It is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. It begins with the Sunday before Easter, or Palm Sunday which celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion. Then, there are Maundy Thursday, Good Thursday and Holy Saturday: that stands for the Easter Triduum (Latin for three days and particularly used by the Roman Catholic Church).