Mainers observe rare alignment of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent

The start of Ramadan and Lent overlapped this month with Lunar New Year, a rare convergence of major religious and cultural celebrations observed by thousands of Mainers and billions across the globe.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The start of Ramadan and Lent overlapped this month with Lunar New Year, a rare convergence of major religious and cultural celebrations observed by thousands of Mainers and billions across the globe. Muslims began a month of fasting and spiritual renewal with Ramadan, while many Christians celebrated Mardi Gras and entered the 40 days of Lent. Meanwhile, Asian communities ushered in the Year of the Fire Horse with Lunar New Year celebrations.

Why it matters

This rare alignment of Ramadan, Lent, and Lunar New Year provides a unique opportunity for Mainers to reflect on the similarities across different people, cultures, and religious traditions, and how that can be a catalyst to come together and support each other.

The details

Both Ramadan and Lent are periods of turning inwards, trying to have a simple life, and are bookended by festivals that are all about celebrating and enjoying life and building community. Ramadan is a sacred time of fasting, feasting, community and charity that's meant to bring Muslims closer to God. Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter where Christians are encouraged to give up something that distracts them from God, prayer and a life of service. Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar, seen as a time to honor ancestors and celebrated with carnivals, parades, family gatherings and festivities.

  • Ramadan started on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 with the sighting of the new moon.
  • Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent were on February 18, 2026.
  • Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Fire Horse, was celebrated on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Claire Robison

An associate professor of religion and Asian studies at Bowdoin College.

Zahir Janmohamed

An English professor at Bowdoin College who lives in Portland.

Rev. Kyle Doustou

Vicar general of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

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What they’re saying

“It's a really wonderful moment to consider how much religious and cultural traditions overlap. It's a great opportunity to reflect on the similarities across different people and different cultures and religious traditions, and how that can be a catalyst to come together to support each other.”

— Claire Robison, Associate professor of religion and Asian studies

“It is hard at times, but it is truly a thrilling month.”

— Zahir Janmohamed, English professor

“There's this sense that Lent really helps us get back down to basics and focus on what's most important. That really resonates with people.”

— Rev. Kyle Doustou, Vicar general

What’s next

The Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine will be held on March 1, 2026 at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center.

The takeaway

This rare convergence of Ramadan, Lent, and Lunar New Year in Maine highlights the diversity and richness of the state's religious and cultural traditions, and provides an opportunity for people of different backgrounds to come together, reflect on their shared values, and support one another.