Lent and Holy Week 2025: Key Dates and Observances

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The final days of Lent 2025 are upon us, ushering in significant observances for millions of Christians around the globe. This year, Lent concludes on April 20, coinciding with Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection that begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before his ministry. Many adherents practice self-discipline by giving up luxuries including certain foods or social media, while others engage in new spiritual activities such as daily prayer or charitable deeds.

Sundays are traditionally not counted in the 40 days of Lent as they are viewed as days of celebration. The period culminates in Holy Week, which includes critical observances such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. This significant week begins with Palm Sunday on April 13, 2025, marking Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

According to the Catholic Church, “Abstinence is a form of penance,” highlighting the importance of self-denial during this reflective season. On Ash Wednesday and every Friday leading up to Easter, many Christians refrain from eating meat. This year, Good Friday, which commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion, occurs on April 18, 2025.

Throughout Lent, believers often consider fish as an acceptable substitute for meat on Fridays, as they seek to honor the sacrifice Jesus made on Good Friday. Non-flesh items like dairy are not restricted during this period.

Holy Week is observed in various Christian denominations but typically follows the same structure. Maundy Thursday, celebrated on April 17 this year, recalls the Last Supper and Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Lent is an incredible time of year that we as Christians dedicate to prayer, fasting, and giving as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the Resurrection at Easter,” said Alex Jones, CEO of Hallow, a popular prayer and meditation app. “It’s always our biggest season at Hallow.”

Good Friday not only marks Jesus’ death but also serves as a time for prayer and reflection among Christians. Although not a federal holiday, it is observed in some states, such as Delaware and New Jersey, where government offices may close.

As believers approach Easter Sunday, which is on April 20 this year, many look forward to the conclusion of Lent and the joyous celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, reinforcing the foundational belief in Christianity.

Many traditions join Easter celebrations, including family gatherings and communal meals. The date for Easter is determined by the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon after the spring equinox, which in 2025 occurs on March 20.

“Easter is the day when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Jones stated. “After days of penance and reflection, it is a time of great joy and hopeful renewal.”