The observance of Lent and Holy Week is just around the corner, marked prominently for 2025 from Ash Wednesday on March 5 through to Easter Sunday on April 20. For Christians, especially Catholics, this period is rich with rituals and traditions aimed at fostering reflection, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lent spans 40 days, commemorative of the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert, and serves as a time for believers to intensify their prayer, charity, and fasting. Starting on Ash Wednesday, congregants receive ashes on their foreheads, which symbolize humility and mortality, capturing the essence of this spiritually charged season.
For many, Ash Wednesday is not simply the first day of Lent but also a moment of solemnity. During services, priests say the meaningful phrases, "Recuerda que polvo eres y en polvo te convertirás" (Remember you are dust, and to dust, you will return) and "Arrepiéntete y cree en el Evangelio" (Repent, and believe in the Gospel). These words remind the faithful of their humanity and the importance of seeking forgiveness as they begin their Lenten observances.
Throughout Lent, specific dietary guidelines are recommended. The Catholic Church encourages the abstention from meat on Fridays during this period, leading to increased demand for fish and seafood. According to the Code of Canon Law, all Fridays of Lent (March 7, 14, 21, and 28; April 4, 11, and 18) are days of abstinence. This practice contemplates Jesus’ sacrifice and serves as reminders for self-discipline.
For students, Lent also coincides with Holy Week breaks, allowing them to enjoy time off from school. The Mexican educational calendar marks April 14 to 25, 2025, as vacation time for students at primary and secondary levels. This period not only gives them respite but also promotes family activities, travel, or simply relaxing away from their academic obligations.
Different educational institutions may have varying schedules. For example, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) will observe spring break from April 14 to 18, whereas the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) confirms holidays from April 17 to 25. Parents should check with their respective schools for specific holiday arrangements.
Despite the widespread celebrations and rest afforded to many, it is worth noting not all workers have the luxury of time off during Holy Week. According to the Federal Labor Law, employers are not mandated to give days off during this period. While some might enjoy paid leave during certain days like Holy Thursday and Good Friday, it largely depends on the nature of employment, contracts, and company policies.
Within the broader community, Lent serves as a powerful time for solidarity and reflection. The rituals, prayers, and community service activities allow congregants to engage actively with their faith and with one another. This can include acts of charity or community service, aligning with the thematic focus of Lent on selflessness and generosity.
Believers are encouraged to partake not just passively but actively engage through fasting, attending services, and seeking out opportunities for acts of kindness. Many parishes organize additional services, prayer meetings, and community outreach during this time.
The culmination of Lent leads up to Holy Week, during which faithful Christians observe key days including Palm Sunday on April 13, commemorations of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the crucifixion on Good Friday, and the resurrection celebration on Easter Sunday. These days drive home the heart of the Christian narrative—Christ’s sacrifice and the hope of redemption.
This year, poets, writers, and artists may find inspiration within the themes of hope, renewal, and community—elements woven deeply within the ethos of not only the Lent season but the entirety of Catholic belief. The Ash Wednesday observances kickstart the reflective nature characteristic of the following 40 days leading to Easter.
For those outside the Catholic tradition, the observances of Lent can serve as cultural touchpoints within diverse communities, influencing food preferences, travel plans, and family gatherings.
While walking down the aisles of supermarkets, the impact of Lent becomes apparent as seafood prices may spike, driven by the dietary restrictions observed during this period. Increased fish consumption leads many to queue up for their favorite tacos de pescado or enjoy family recipes passed down through generations.
Through the various celebrations and observances marking Lent and Holy Week, there lies the underlying message of hope and transformation. Whether through ashes, abstinence, prayer, or collectively supportive vacation time, this season serves as more than just ritual; it embodies the essence of the Christian faith, inviting believers to step closer to their spirituality and their communities.
People from every walk of life, even those without religious observances, are nudged to reflect and reconnect with themselves during these impactful weeks. Lent parallels harvest seasons and signifies renewal—a time to plant seeds of kindness, charity, and community spirit throughout.