Vicksburg put the fun of Mardi Gras behind it as Lent officially began with Ash Wednesday across the River City and the rest of Warren County. From local churches to Vicksburg Catholic School, many Christians annually observe Ash Wednesday by having ashes spread across their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

Fat Tuesday — Mardi Gras in French — is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4. The name Fat Tuesday comes from households using up all the fats stored in the kitchen and pantry before Ash Wednesday and Lent begin.

As the Mardi Gras celebration ends, so begins the solemn period of Lent observed in many Christian circles and denominations. Timed weeks in advance of Easter Sunday, or the day of Jesus' resurrection according to Christian beliefs,

Easter is a significant day on the Christian calendar. Billions of Christians look forward to Easter Sunday each year, and that anticipation is amplified by Lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day Christian season of prayer, fasting, and charity leading to Easter. Worshipers receive ash crosses symbolizing repentance. Lent commemorates Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert,

After a Fat Tuesday filled with paczkis and pancakes, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of lent for people of Christian faith. Lent is a 40-day period preceding Easter Sunday where people from all denominations of Christianity practice self-sacrifice and discipline in various ways including fasting,