Ash Wednesday / Miércoles de Ceniza

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

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.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, and you will see that many Mexican Catholics wear the small cross drawn with ash on their forehead throughout the day. These 40 days are meant to symbolize the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The ashes are made from old catechisms and readings given at Mass and have been blessed by a priest. Many Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent; therefore, butchers are often closed on Fridays during this time as well. Fish and shrimp are commonly eaten instead. Another traditional food during Lent is capirotada, a unique bread pudding. Click here if you’d like to learn more about this delicious dessert and make it yourself.