Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, an important time for Christians leading up to Easter. Here's what to know.

This year, the spring equinox is March 20, and the first full moon following it is on April 12, making Easter April 20. 46 days before April 20 is March 5, making that date Ash Wednesday for 2025. Maria Francis of USA Today contributed to this report.

Carnival Season typically starts after Epiphany on Jan. 6 and culminates on Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 5 this year.

Lent came early last year, but it is back to a bit more normal schedule for 2025. Here's a look when Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent start.