Ash Wednesday 2027 falls on Wednesday, February 10, 2027. It marks the first day of Lent, the 40-day season of preparation before Easter on March 28, 2027.
Here is what to know about the date, the traditions, and the rules.
When is Ash Wednesday 2027?
Ash Wednesday is always the Wednesday that falls 46 days before Easter. In 2027, Easter is March 28, which puts Ash Wednesday on February 10. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) uses this same date.
Ash Wednesday moves every year because Easter does. Easter is set by the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Also see: Holy Week 2027 Calendar
Ash Wednesday and Lent 2027 Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) | Tuesday, February 9, 2027 |
| Ash Wednesday | Wednesday, February 10, 2027 |
| First Friday of Lent | Friday, February 12, 2027 |
| Palm Sunday | Sunday, March 21, 2027 |
| Holy Thursday | Thursday, March 25, 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 26, 2027 |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, March 28, 2027 |
What Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance. Ministers mark worshippers’ foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross. The traditional words are “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
The ashes remind people of human mortality and the need for forgiveness. Churches usually make them by burning the palm branches saved from the previous Palm Sunday.
Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation?
No. Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, so Catholics are not required to attend Mass. Many attend anyway, and parishes often schedule several services that day.
Many Protestant churches, including Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, and Presbyterian congregations, also hold Ash Wednesday services.
Ash Wednesday 2027 Fasting and Abstinence Rules
Catholics have two rules on Ash Wednesday, which are fasting and abstaining from meat. Here is how the USCCB guidelines break down:
- Fasting: Applies to adults ages 18 to 59. It means one full meal plus two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal.
- Abstinence from meat: Applies to everyone age 14 and older.
- Exemptions: Pregnant or nursing women and people with medical conditions such as diabetes are excused from fasting.
Good Friday follows the same rules. All Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Fish is permitted, which is why fish fries are common during Lent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is Ash Wednesday 2027?
Ash Wednesday 2027 is on a Wednesday, February 10.
How many days after Ash Wednesday is Easter 2027?
Easter is 46 days later, on March 28, 2027.
Can you eat meat on Ash Wednesday?
Catholics ages 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday. Fish, eggs, dairy, and vegetables are allowed.
Is Ash Wednesday a federal holiday?
No. Offices and schools stay open, so check your local parish for morning, noon, and evening service times.