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Ash Wednesday 2024 in Mexico

Ash Wednesday (Miércoles de Ceniza) marks the end of the Carnival season and the start of Lent in Catholic churches across Mexico.

Is Ash Wednesday a Public Holiday?

Ash Wednesday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.

Bowl of ashes

Pot of ashes that priests use to mark foreheads with the sign of the cross.

Illustration based on artwork from©iStockphoto.com/Ben Beltman

Celebrate Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, which ends before Easter Sunday. Priests mark churchgoers’ foreheads with ashes in form of a cross to symbolize the forgiveness of sins and to reaffirm one’s faith in God. Prior to the day, streets in cities and towns are bustling with parades, floats, costumes and music to celebrate Carnival. This festival marks the last days to enjoy the things that are abstained or given up on Ash Wednesday.

Public Life

Ash Wednesday is a religious observance and not a national public holiday in Mexico. During the days leading up to this day, access to streets in some cities and towns may be difficult for vehicles due to Carnival related festivities.

About Ash Wednesday

Catholic churches across Mexico and worldwide mark Ash Wednesday as the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent symbolizes the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert. It is observed as a time of penance, prayer, and fasting or abstinence.

Did You Know?

Ash Wednesday has never occurred on a Leap Day (February 29) – the first time this happens will be in 2096!

About Ash Wednesday in Other Countries

Read more about Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2019WedMar 6Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2020WedFeb 26Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2021WedFeb 17Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2022WedMar 2Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2023WedFeb 22Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2024WedFeb 14Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2025WedMar 5Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2026WedFeb 18Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2027WedFeb 10Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2028WedMar 1Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian
2029WedFeb 14Ash WednesdayObservance, Christian

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.