Ash Wednesday Marks Start of Lent for Many in San Antonio

More than half of San Antonio's population prepares for the beginning of the Lenten season.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season for many Christians in San Antonio, with over half the city's population participating. The day is observed by receiving ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead, a visible sign of a deeply personal spiritual journey. Lent is a time of repentance, sacrifice, and preparation for Easter, with many choosing to fast from certain things or take on new spiritual practices.

Why it matters

Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season hold deep religious and cultural significance for the majority-Catholic population of San Antonio. The observance connects the community to centuries-old traditions and provides an opportunity for personal and spiritual reflection during a challenging time.

The details

On Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads, a visible sign of the start of Lent. Many choose to fast from certain things like television or soda, or take on new spiritual practices like listening more attentively. The ashes themselves hold symbolic meaning, with the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday being burned to create the ashes. This connects the end of one liturgical season to the beginning of another, representing a spiritual renewal.

  • Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, 2026 this year.
  • Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.

The players

Lydia Villescaz

A secular oblate of St. Francis at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Villescaz participates in the tradition of burning old, blessed palms to make the ashes used on Ash Wednesday.

Teresa Frequez

A parishioner who plans to give up watching television for Lent.

Jerry Frulio

A parishioner who plans to give up drinking Coke Zero for Lent.

Deacon Ramon Figueroa

A parishioner who plans to focus on listening more during Lent.

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What they’re saying

“Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a season where we recognize our relationship with Jesus; we come closer to Him.”

— Lydia Villescaz, Secular oblate of St. Francis at St. Mary Magdalen Church

“Getting away from the noise of the world.”

— Lydia Villescaz, Secular oblate of St. Francis at St. Mary Magdalen Church

“He's full of mercy and love, and he's just calling us home, especially in these dark times that we're living in.”

— Lydia Villescaz, Secular oblate of St. Francis at St. Mary Magdalen Church

What’s next

Churches across San Antonio will hold Ash Wednesday services on February 18, 2026, marking the start of the Lenten season.

The takeaway

Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season hold deep spiritual significance for the majority-Catholic population of San Antonio, providing an opportunity for personal reflection, sacrifice, and preparation for the Easter celebration. The observance connects the community to centuries-old traditions and helps many find solace and renewal during challenging times.