How Long Is Lent 2021? Start And End Dates For The Period Of Fasting

Home » When Is Lent In 2021 » How Long Is Lent 2021? Start And End Dates For The Period Of Fasting

Maybe your like

HUNGARY-RELIGION-CATHOLIC-ASH-WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. (Picture: Getty)

After the excitement of Pancake Day, people worldwide begin fasting for Lent – whether through banning a certain foodstuff, or picking up on bad habits.

Christians also mark the start of the period by celebrating Ash Wednesday, with services taking place online this year.

Lent marks the run up to Easter, so whether you’re religious or not, make sure you start preparing for the spring festival now.

But first – when are the Lent start and end dates in 2021, and what should you give up?

Lent 2021 start and end dates

Lent 2021 begins the day after Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday (February 17).

It lasts for 40 days, not including Sundays because these are seen as holy, celebratory days by Christians.

Easter Eggs And Pink Tulips. Flat Lay
Lent takes place in the run-up to Easter. (Picture: Easter)

This means Lent ends on Saturday, April 3 in 2021- the day before Easter Sunday.

The Church of England website explains that Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.

On Ash Wednesday, some people visit churches, offer repentance for sins, and have their forehead marked with the ashes of palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday marks the day Christians believe Jesus returned to Jerusalem. The name comes from the story in the Bible, which says he was greeted with crowds waving palm leaves.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Up Next

Previous Page Next Page

What to give up for Lent

Lots of people give up sweet treats for Lent, like sugary drinks, chocolate or ice cream.

Hey, foodies! Add us as a Preferred Source

At Metro Food, we're here to bring you all the latest foodie news, delicious recipes, restaurant reviews, and cooking tips. As a loyal reader and a part of our vibrant community, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

From the latest Walkers flavours to the secret McDonald's menu, Metro Food has it all

If Dry January didn’t work for you, giving up alcohol could be an option, or you could use the period to give vegetarianism a go

It doesn’t have to be food-based, either. Some people try to avoid gossiping, or bad posture. Making an effort to speak more kindly – or just using that new office chair – for a sustained period could create a habit that lasts a lifetime.

Indian Christians Celebrate Ash Wednesday
Lent represents the time Jesus spent in the desert for Christians. (Picture: Getty)

Others set themselves a challenge, blocking social media or a favourite streaming service. Given that we’re still in lockdown, this might be extra tricky this year, but replacing activities with another hobby like reading a book could make it easier.

It could be an idea to try something more positive for the Lenten season. Instead of banning items, why not practice self-care: writing in a diary every day, or remembering to drink enough water? Whether you’re religious or not, the forty-day period is a good time to set a new goal.

Why do we start Lent on a Wednesday?

As Lent is the 40 day period before Easter Sunday, it always falls on a Wednesday.

More Trending

  1. Chick-fil-A meal with a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and a milkshake on a red and blue background

    Chick-fil-A is opening in London — and the full menu has been revealed

    Channel: Food Food March 2, 2026 By Courtney Pochin
  2. 21 flipping good jokes and Instagram captions to share this Pancake Day
  3. The reason we celebrate Pancake Day today - and how to make the perfect pancake
  4. Supermarket own-brand Easter egg crowned UK's best — beating Cadbury and Lindt

There’s no actual mention of Ash Wednesday in the Bible, but the idea of ash comes from the Old Testament phrase ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’ (Genesis 3:19).

Arrow MORE: How to make dog-friendly pancakes for Pancake Day

Arrow MORE: Pancake Day quotes and memes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday 2021

Arrow MORE: Pancake Day 2021: Why do we have Shrove Tuesday and what does it mean?

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • Struggling with thinning or dull hair? Experts say the real issue starts at your scalp

    Struggling with thinning or dull hair? Experts say the real issue starts at your scalp

  • Mother’s Day gifts for new mums and mums‑to‑be under £50

    Mother’s Day gifts for new mums and mums‑to‑be under £50

  • This electric toothbrush feels like a trip to the dentist - without leaving home

    This electric toothbrush feels like a trip to the dentist – without leaving home

  • Dunelm's new outdoor collection will get your garden spring-ready – from just £3

    Dunelm's new outdoor collection will get your garden spring-ready – from just £3

  • The exact blush Margot Robbie wore in Wuthering Heights and best budget alternatives

    The exact blush Margot Robbie wore in Wuthering Heights and best budget alternatives

Share your views in the comments below.

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

The Slice

Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.

Postcode ?

Enter your postcode so we can deliver content close to you Close

DOB ?

Content is 18+ Close

Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Tag » When Is Lent In 2021