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

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

While Ash Wednesday frequently falls in February, it can take place anywhere from Feb. 4 through March 10, and this year, it falls closer to the latter. But why exactly does the religious holiday change dates,