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,

Christians will get one last nibble on their paczkis and king cakes as Mardi Gras and the Carnival Season give way to Ash Wednesday this week.

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.

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,