Overview
- Observed on February 18, services drew large turnouts worldwide, with some dioceses adding public distribution points such as Mexico City’s Metro Zapata, where lay minister Rosario Gómez imposed ashes.
- The central rite places a cross of ash on the forehead while proclaiming “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” underscoring human mortality and conversion.
- The ashes are traditionally prepared by burning last year’s blessed Palm Sunday branches, then typically mixed with holy water before being imposed.
- Church norms designate Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as days of fasting and abstinence; fasting binds adults roughly 18–59 and abstinence from meat begins at 14, while receiving ashes is a sacramental and not an obligation.
- The 2026 calendar sets Lent through Holy Thursday on April 2, with Palm Sunday on March 29 and Easter Sunday on April 5, as Spain also observes the popular Entierro de la Sardina marking the close of Carnival.