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Ash Wednesday 2025 in Canada

Many Christians in Canada mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It is the beginning of the Lenten fast and is the day after Shrove Tuesday.

Is Ash Wednesday a Public Holiday?

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

Many churches in Canada hold special Ash Wednesday services for their congregations. Prairie church in Alberta, Canada.

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What Do People Do?

Many churches in Canada hold special Ash Wednesday services for their congregations. It is a time when people who seek penitence for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds people of their mortality and sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for many Christian churches. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer as part or preparations for Easter when they are ready to receive or reaffirm their baptism. For some Christians, Lent is a time to think about life and death, as well as reflect on life’s choices and possible life directions.

Ash Wednesday serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. It is also a time of goodwill for many people. There are also those who chose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God.

Public Life

Ash Wednesday is not a national public holiday in Canada.

Background and Symbols

The practice of marking foreheads with ashes was common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and some other churches in Canada but it is now practiced in various other Christian denominations. A general article about Ash Wednesday worldwide covers more information about its background and symbols.

About Ash Wednesday in Other Countries

Read more about Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Observances

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

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.