Ash Wednesday: what it means and everything you need to know

Ash Wednesday, observed on February 18, 2026, marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar. It is a day of fasting and repentance, where adherents traditionally abstain from eating meat, including poultry, as emphasized by the Church's guidelines. This observance is significant in countries with large Christian populations such as Mexico and Argentina, where religious practices influence cultural and dietary behaviors. Understanding the customs and restrictions of Ash Wednesday is important for both religious followers and businesses in the food sector during this period.