Christians across New York City and around the world are observing Lent, a season of prayer, fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
Below is a guide to the season and how it is being marked across the five boroughs.
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day season in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends Easter Sunday. In 2026, Lent began on Feb. 18.
The season commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, as described in the Bible.
For many Christians — particularly Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and some Protestant denominations — it is a time of penance and preparation for Easter.
Many churches hold services on Ash Wednesday, during which observers receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, representing repentance and mortality.
Why do Christians fast during Lent?
Fasting during Lent is meant to encourage reflection and self-discipline.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for practicing Roman Catholics.
During this time, they are meant to limit themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a second full meal. Catholics also abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Some Christians also choose to give up certain foods, habits or luxuries for the entire 40-day period as a personal sacrifice, ranging from sweets to social media or alcohol and other indulgences.
Others take on additional acts of charity, prayer or volunteer work during the season.
What is Holy Week?
The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week and commemorates the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and Resurrection.
Holy Week includes:
Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper
Good Friday, which marks Jesus’ Crucifixion
Holy Saturday, which is a day of quiet reflection before Easter Sunday
What is Easter?
Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, a core belief of the Christian faith.
In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 5.
Many churches hold sunrise services, festive Masses and special events. The day is often celebrated with family gatherings, meals and some fun traditions such as egg hunts and parades.
How is Lent observed in New York City?
Churches and community groups across the five boroughs are marking the Lenten season with prayer services, pilgrimages, family activities and Easter celebrations.
Here are just a few events happening around the city:
Trinity Church is offering Lenten reflections, performances by the Trinity Youth Chorus and Holy Week services from March 29 through April 5 in Lower Manhattan.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn is inviting parishioners to take part in a “Lenten Pilgrimage,” visiting a different parish each weekday and Saturday during Lent. Designated churches are assigned specific days for visitors to experience the beauty of each parish community.
The Archdiocese of New York is offering a free family activity book to help families come together in prayer, creativity and reflection throughout Lent.
As part of the Lenten season, Reconciliation Monday will be observed across the Archdiocese on March 30. Confession will be offered at parishes throughout the Archdiocese of New York from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The annual Fifth Avenue Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival returns April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring elaborate handmade hats, costumes and music along Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 55th Street.
The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center will host its annual Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with egg races, potato sack races, arts and crafts and photos with the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts are scheduled by age group for children 4 to 10 years old.
The New York Public Library will hold its Annual Spring Egg Hunt at the Morrisania Library on Thursday, April 2 at 3:30 p.m. The event includes a seasonal storytime followed by an egg hunt for children ages 3 to 12.