Lent and Ramadan begin: how are they similar and how are they different?

This Wednesday, February 18th, the calendar marks an unusual coincidence: the simultaneous start of Catholic Lent and Muslim Ramadan. This exceptional occurrence is solely due to a matter of calendar calculation. Lent depends on the Christian liturgical calendar and the variable date of Easter—which is always celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, making it fall between approximately March 23rd and April 25th—while Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, based on the solar calendar, which is about ten to twelve days long each year, making it movable from year to year. Because they follow different calendars and progress at different rates, Lent and Ramadan only sporadically coincide in the Gregorian calendar, as they do in 2026. This simultaneity invites us to ask how these two central periods for the two major religions are similar and how they differ.

Similarities and Differences

Both Lent and Ramadan are conceived as times of inner preparation, personal reflection, and spiritual growth. They are periods of restraint, in which fasting and prayer take center stage, albeit with different forms and levels of intensity. These two religious traditions, in turn, initiate a path of inner renewal. Fasting is one of their main points of convergence. However, the way it is practiced varies significantly. While Lent proposes a partial and selective fast, Ramadan establishes total abstinence during daylight hours. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during this period. The goal is to grow spiritually and strengthen the relationship with God. Although it is a religious practice, it is also common for non-practicing individuals to observe it as a cultural custom. The differences are also evident in the duration, the degree of obligation, and the way in which these periods are integrated into the daily lives of the faithful.

Lent, the path to Easter

The Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for forty days until Easter, specifically until Maundy Thursday. The dates vary each year depending on when Easter Sunday falls, which is always between March 22nd and April 25th. Consequently, the start of Lent can range from February 4th to March 10th. Currently, the Catholic Church maintains obligatory fasting only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday—a fast that generally allows only one meal a day—as well as abstaining from meat on all Fridays of Lent. In Catalan popular culture, this period has traditionally been represented by the figure of Old Lent, with seven legs symbolizing the seven weeks of the liturgical cycle. These are weeks of reflection and penance that prepare the faithful for the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Ramadan, one of the pillars of Islam

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. The beginning and end of the month are determined by observing the new moon, overseen by specialized committees, especially in Saudi Arabia. If the moon is not visible due to weather conditions, astronomical calculations are used to confirm its presence. During this period, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad and observe a complete fast from dawn until sunset. The fast is accompanied by increased dedication to prayer and charity. Ramadan culminates with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fast and this year falls on March 20. It is a several-day celebration with a strong community component, during which families gather to pray, share food, and remember deceased relatives. Traditional Foods

Although these are days of fasting, there are traditional foods in both cultures during this time. In the case of traditional Catholicism, in addition to fish on Fridays, which in many towns was cod or herring, as it could be dried and preserved without problems, Easter fritters, sweet fried dough pastries, are also typical.

In the case of Ramadan, it is traditional to break the fast with a date and a soup, harira, and in addition to many other specific dishes, sesame and honey cakes are also traditional, many also containing nuts to regain energy.