Lent Begins: Observances and Modern-Day Practices

Catholics worldwide embrace fasting, prayer, and abstinence during Lent, while restaurants offer seafood specials tailored to the season.

Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and penitence leading up to Easter, began on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Catholics are encouraged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstain from meat on Fridays, and often give up personal luxuries during this period.
Traditional Lenten practices aim to foster spiritual growth through sacrifice, prayer, and reflection, rooted in Christian teachings on self-denial and hope.
Restaurants across the U.S. have introduced Lent-specific seafood offerings, including fish sandwiches and shrimp specials, to cater to those abstaining from meat.
Popular chains like Burger King, Popeyes, and Red Lobster have launched limited-time menu items, with deals extending through Easter Sunday, April 20.