Rare Overlap of Lunar New Year, Fat Tuesday, Ramadan, and Lent

Four major holidays from different cultures and religions coincide in 2026 due to calendar cycle synchronization.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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This Tuesday and Wednesday, the celebrations of Lunar New Year, Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), Ramadan, and Lent all overlap, a rare occurrence that won't happen again until 2029. The holidays are aligning due to the synchronization of several long solar, lunar, and lunisolar calendar cycles.

Why it matters

The convergence of these four major holidays from different cultural and religious traditions is an uncommon event that highlights the diversity of global celebrations and the complex interactions between various calendar systems.

The details

Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of a new year for billions of people in East and Southeast Asia, falls on the same day as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) this year. Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is also expected to start on the same evening. Meanwhile, Lent, the 40-day Christian observance leading up to Easter, begins the following day on Ash Wednesday.

  • Lunar New Year and Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) both occur on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, pending official confirmation.
  • Lent (Ash Wednesday) begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Lunar New Year

The beginning of a new year for billions of people in China, Korea, Vietnam, and other parts of East and Southeast Asia and its global diasporas. People hold family reunions, honor ancestors, feast, and bring good fortune through red decorations, dance, and food.

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)

The last day to feast on rich, fatty foods before the 40-day Lenten season starts the next day, on Ash Wednesday.

Ramadan

The ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a 29 to 30 day period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

Lent

The 40-day Christian observance leading up to Easter Sunday.

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The takeaway

The rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Fat Tuesday, Ramadan, and Lent highlights the diversity and interconnectedness of global cultural and religious traditions, as well as the complex interactions between various calendar systems.