Days Until Lent Ends
Live countdown to Holy Thursday Evening, 2026
Lent Ends 2026
*Lent ends on the evening of Holy Thursday.
End of Season
Summary
The 40 days are nearly over. There are 53 days, 17 hours, and 17 minutes left until Lent Ends 2026.
Upcoming Lent End Dates
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 2 | Thursday | 52 days |
| 2027 | March 25 | Thursday | 409 days |
| 2028 | April 13 | Thursday | 794 days |
| 2029 | March 29 | Thursday | 1144 days |
| 2030 | April 18 | Thursday | 1529 days |
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Go to ToolCrossing the Finish Line: When Does Lent Actually End?
You have given up chocolate, you have fasted on Fridays, and you have committed to extra prayer. But as Easter approaches, a common question arises: "Wait, when can I stop?"
If you are searching "How many days until Lent ends?", you are likely looking forward to that first bite of sweets or simply marking the completion of a spiritual journey. However, the answer is surprisingly complex and depends on who you ask.
Our Live Lent Ends Countdown Tool above tracks the liturgical conclusion of the season. But does that mean you can eat meat on Good Friday? (Spoiler: No). This guide clarifies the confusion between Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday, helping you finish the season strong.
When Does Lent End in 2026? (April 2, 2026)
The official end of the Lenten season is Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday) in the evening.
🕰️ The Liturgical Rule
According to the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar:
"Lent runs from Ash Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord's Supper exclusive."
This means Lent technically ends just before the evening Mass on Holy Thursday. At that moment, a new liturgical season called the Easter Triduum begins.
The "Gap" Days: Triduum Explained
If Lent ends on Thursday, why do we still fast on Friday?
The Triduum (The Three Days): This is the shortest liturgical season. It runs from Holy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday evening. It includes:
- • Good Friday: The day of Christ's crucifixion. Fasting and abstinence are mandatory, even though "Lent" is technically over.
- • Holy Saturday: A day of silence and waiting at the tomb.
- • Easter Vigil: The celebration of the Resurrection on Saturday night.
The Practical Answer: While the season of Lent ends on Thursday, the practices of Lent (penance, fasting) usually continue until the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday morning. Think of it as the final sprint of a marathon.
The Business of Breaking the Fast
The end of Lent drives significant economic activity as people prepare for Easter feasts.
$24 Billion
Total expected spending on Easter related goods in the US annually.
16 Million
Jelly beans are consumed in the US during the Easter season.
#2
Easter is the second-largest candy-consuming holiday, right after Halloween.
Sunday
Is the only day church attendance rivals Christmas Eve.
Your Countdown Strategy: The Final Week
Use our days until Lent ends timer to focus your energy during Holy Week. It is easy to slide at the end; here is how to finish with intention.
- Palm Sunday: Read the Passion narrative. Prepare your home for the coming week.
- Reconciliation Monday: Many dioceses offer extended confession hours on the Monday of Holy Week. It is the perfect time to "clean slate" before Easter.
- Spy Wednesday: Traditionally marks the day Judas betrayed Jesus. A good day for an extra act of charity to counteract greed.
- The Paschal Fast: Unlike the Lenten fast, the Paschal fast (Good Friday and Holy Saturday) is not penitential but anticipatory—fasting in excitement for the feast to come.
How the World Breaks the Fast
The moment Lent ends (or Easter begins) is marked by distinct food traditions globally.
Poland (Święconka): On Holy Saturday, baskets of food (eggs, sausage, bread, salt) are brought to church to be blessed. This food is eaten on Easter morning to officially break the fast.
United Kingdom (Simnel Cake): A fruit cake with 11 marzipan balls on top (representing the apostles minus Judas) is eaten to mark the end of Lenten austerity.
Ethiopia (Fasika): The Lenten fast here is very strict (no animal products for 55 days). The fast is broken with a massive feast of Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) after the midnight service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finish the Race
The end is in sight. Use our Lent Ends Countdown Timer to stay focused during these final days. The joy of Easter is sweeter when the journey of Lent is fully traveled.
Bookmark this page! Our timer automatically updates to next year's date as soon as Holy Thursday passes.