Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the time leading up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Clergy members will be on hand to offer a short prayer and ashes at multiple locations in the area.

The Roman Catholic Church requires its followers to practice abstinence from meat and fasting on Ash Wednesday.

“Ash Wednesday is a way of looking ahead to Easter,” Father Morrill said. “And here in the Northern Hemisphere, that also means looking ahead to spring.” Ashes are made from the palms blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year, and the tradition of placing them on penitents dates to the 11th century.

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Following the parades and parties of Mardi Gras, people across the Baton Rouge area will mark Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, Christianity's 40-day season of prayer, fasting and giving in preparation for Jesus Christ' resurrection.

Ash Wednesday 2026 Quotes: Ash Wednesday, observed on February 18, 2026, initiates the Christian season of Lent. This day involves church services where ashes are applied to foreheads as a symbol of repentance and spiritual renewal.

Fans at three girls regional basketball games won't find meat at the concession stands as the games fall on Ash Wednesday.