When is Fat Tuesday? What to Know About the Beginning of Lent

The annual celebration marks the last day before the 40-day Lenten period of fasting and reflection.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics. The daylong celebration on February 17, 2026 is a time for feasting and indulgence before the 40-day Lenten period of fasting, reflection and giving of alms. While some see the excess of Mardi Gras celebrations as going against Christian norms, the Catholic Church views it as a way to prepare for spiritual renewal during Lent.

Why it matters

The Fat Tuesday celebration is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, serving as a transition from the joy and gratitude of the pre-Lenten period to the penitence and reflection of Lent. While some criticize the excesses of Mardi Gras, the Church sees it as an opportunity to reflect on one's spiritual journey and prepare the heart for the renewal of the Easter season.

The details

Traditionally, Catholics have used Fat Tuesday as a way to consume fats, desserts and other indulgences before the fasting of Lent. The term 'Shrove Tuesday' refers to the practice of seeking absolution and forgiveness before the Lenten season. While Mardi Gras celebrations, especially in New Orleans, are known for excess and raucous behavior, the Church does not view these celebrations as inherently heretical as long as they are followed by genuine spiritual renewal during Lent.

  • Fat Tuesday will be celebrated on February 17, 2026.
  • Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, will be on February 18, 2026.

The players

Dynamic Catholic

A Catholic organization that provides resources and guidance on Catholic traditions and practices.

Catholic Answers

A Catholic apologetics and evangelization organization that provides information on Catholic beliefs and practices.

Jack Butler

A writer who has expressed concerns about the excesses of some Mardi Gras celebrations and their disconnect from the religious origins of the tradition.

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What they’re saying

“Traditionally, Catholics have embraced Fat Tuesday as a way to get rid of all the fats and desserts in the house in preparation for Lent. With these tempting goodies already consumed, it's easier to more fully engage in Lent and experience spiritual growth.”

— Dynamic Catholic (Dynamic Catholic website)

“Rooted in Catholic tradition, Mardi Gras marks the last day of feasting before Lent's fasting and penance. The day embodies the joy and gratitude for God's gifts, reminding us to reflect on our spiritual journey and prepare our hearts for the renewal and repentance of Lent, a season which, in turn, is ordered toward preparing for the great celebration of Easter.”

— Catholic Answers (Catholic Answers website)

“Even celebrating too much, in the hope of somehow 'undoing' it with a good Lent, suggests a kind of perverse, scoreboard-style thinking uncomfortably close to Pelagianism, a heresy Catholics ought to take care to avoid.”

— Jack Butler (National Review)

The takeaway

The Fat Tuesday celebration is a longstanding Catholic tradition that serves as a transition from the joy and gratitude of the pre-Lenten period to the penitence and reflection of Lent. While some criticize the excesses associated with Mardi Gras, the Church views it as an opportunity to reflect on one's spiritual journey and prepare the heart for the renewal of the Easter season.