Ramadan, Lunar New Year and Lent coincide in 2026
In a rare convergence of major religious observances in 2026, Ramadan, Lunar New Year and Lent all begin within a few days of each other, starting on Tuesday evening.
Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and reflection, is expected to begin in Belgium between 17 and 18 February, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, and will last approximately 29–30 days. Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year, based on the luni-solar calendar, begins on 17 February, marking the end of the year of the Wood Snake and ushering in the year of the Fire Horse. Lent, the 40-day period of Christian fasting and preparation for Easter, traditionally begins on Ash Wednesday, 18 February.
Ramadan in Belgium
During Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The fast begins with a pre-dawn meal known as suhoor and is broken at sunset with iftar, often shared with family, friends and neighbours. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, serving as a time for prayer, self-discipline, charitable giving and community reflection.
Authorities across Belgium will confirm the start of Ramadan based on the first sighting of the crescent moon, meaning the exact beginning can vary slightly between regions. The month will culminate in Eid al-Fitr (Suikerfeest), a festive celebration projected to fall around 20 March 2026.
Community events during Ramadan
Mosques and cultural organisations are planning communal iftars (the evening meal that breaks the daily fast) and welcome events throughout Belgium during Ramadan. In Antwerp, the annual Sultan Der Maanden intercultural festival returns from 20 – 22 February at Antwerp Expo, with music, workshops, debates, a world market and free iftar meals that are open to all.
In Brussels, local mosques and associations typically organise daily iftars and prayer gatherings. For example, previous years have seen interfaith iftar meals in Molenbeek where hundreds of people from different backgrounds come together to share food and solidarity during Ramadan.
Celebrations for Lunar New Year
During Lunar New Year, communities celebrate the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. Traditions include decorating homes with red ornaments, giving red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children, and preparing special foods symbolising prosperity and longevity.
Communities throughout Belgium are welcoming the Lunar New Year with festivities that mix tradition with contemporary culture. In Brussels, the entertainment hub VIAGE is hosting an evening celebration on Tuesday with lion dances, live music, Asian culinary offerings and workshops to immerse visitors in Chinese traditions.
In Sint‑Niklaas, a Lunar New Year Festival on the Grote Markt features traditional dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, Tai Chi and a lively market with Asian street food and cultural displays, all with free entry for visitors.
Lent observances and overlapping traditions
During Lent, Christians observe a 40‑day period of personal sacrifice and contemplation leading up to Easter. Many people choose to give up certain foods, luxuries or habits, while also increasing prayer, charity and acts of service. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is a time for spiritual renewal and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Lent provides its own calendar of services, spiritual events and charitable activities, and its overlap with Ramadan this year offers opportunities for interfaith dialogue and shared community initiatives.
Traditional dragon dancers are pictured in action during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Antwerp
©BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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