Written by Chloe Walsh - Photos by BTC Staff
In 2026, Ramadan and Lent overlapped for the first time since 1863.
Ash Wednesday on the 18th of February marked the start of Lent for Christians as well as on the evening of Tuesday the 17th of February Ramadan began.
In the hall of Blessed Trinity College, students gathered to receive their ashes as Lent began. Students celebrating Ramadan had started fasting that day as well. You may be fasting for Ramadan or have given up something for Lent!
During Lent, Catholic people fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstinence on all other Fridays is common.
During Ramadan, Muslim people fast and abstain from food and drink from sunrise (fajr) to sunset (maghrib), and are permitted to eat and drink during the nighttime hours (iftar).
The religious period of Lent began as Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, whilst being tempted by the devil.
The spiritual month of Ramadan is observed as it is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
But how do our students feel?
“My favourite part of Ramadan is the community aspect. It always ends up being a month where you see people you see regularly, but then you see people you don’t see everyday as well. It’s a great opportunity to get together and have iftar together” - Raghad Al Refai Year 11 student
“I think Lent is a good way to express your faith and stay faithful to God” - Michaela McNeill Year 11 student
Lent will come to an end with Easter Sunday on the 2nd of April and Ramadan will end with Eid al-Fitr on the 20th of March.
Students receiving Ashes on Ash Wednesday
Create Your Own Website With Webador