When is Fat Tuesday 2026? What to know about last day of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras parades kickoff this weekend ahead of Fat Tuesday 2026 and the start of Lent.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Easter 2026: Mardi Gras or 'Fat Tuesday' is on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, while Ash Wednesday will kick off the start of Lent and 'fish' Fridays. Here are the dates to know for the Easter season and Holy Week.

Why it matters

Unlike many other annual holidays, Easter and the Lenten dates change every year on the calendar. Understanding when key religious events like Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Good Friday occur is important for Christians and those celebrating the Easter season.

The details

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive day of indulgence before the long Christian season of Lent, which is marked with fasting and abstinence. Celebrations have begun, with many of the major Mardi Gras parades typically starting the weekend prior, Feb. 13-15, leading up to the main event on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is on Feb. 18, 2026. Lent lasts six weeks before Easter, which falls on April 5, 2026 this year. Holy Week, the last week before Easter, includes Palm Sunday on March 29 and Good Friday on April 3.

  • Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
  • Ash Wednesday is on Feb. 18, 2026.
  • Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and ends on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Palm Sunday is on March 29, 2026.
  • Good Friday is on April 3, 2026.
  • Easter Sunday is on April 5, 2026.

The players

Mardi Gras

A festive day of indulgence before the long Christian season of Lent, which is marked with fasting and abstinence.

Ash Wednesday

The first day of the Lenten season, marked by ashes being placed on a worshiper's forehead in the shape of a cross by a priest, pastor or minister during church services as a symbol of penance.

Lent

The religious period of fasting and repentance for Christians, lasting six weeks before Easter.

Palm Sunday

The start of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Good Friday

The day when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, also known as Black Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday, or Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord.

Easter Sunday

The holiest day in the Christian calendar, observing the day Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead three days after his death on Good Friday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Understanding the timing and significance of Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter is important for Christians and those celebrating the Easter season, as the dates change each year based on the lunar calendar.