Residents across Cowlitz County will see an unusually packed cultural calendar this week as Lunar New Year, Fat Tuesday, the start of Ramadan, and the beginning of Lent all fall within a span of roughly 48 hours. The overlap, highlighted in reporting by The Columbian, reflects a convergence of lunar and liturgical calendars not seen in most years.

According to widely available religious and astronomical calendars, Lunar New Year in 2026 begins on February 17. Fat Tuesday, the final day before the Christian season of Lent, also falls on February 17. Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, follows on February 18. Islamic calendar projections place the first day of Ramadan on or around February 17 or 18, depending on moon sighting traditions used by local communities.

In Longview and Kelso, the alignment is primarily felt through community gatherings, religious services, and family observances. Local Christian congregations are preparing for Ash Wednesday services, often held in the early morning or evening. Many Buddhist, Taoist, and Vietnamese American families in the region typically observe Lunar New Year with family meals and cultural rituals. Muslim residents entering Ramadan are preparing for a month of fasting, nightly prayer, and community iftars.

While these observances remain distinct, area faith leaders note that the calendar overlap may create increased demand for shared community spaces, evening events, and accommodations for fasting schedules. Some organizations in the county that regularly host multicultural or interfaith programming have indicated that the week could bring more public engagement than usual.

Local schools, employers, and service providers occasionally receive requests for schedule adjustments during major religious observances. This year’s unusual convergence may increase the visibility of such requests, though no formal changes have been announced by public institutions as of February 16.

Why this matters

Cowlitz County’s demographic shifts over the past decade include quiet but steady growth in immigrant and minority faith communities. When multiple significant observances converge, it offers a fuller picture of the county’s cultural landscape and highlights the practical importance of schedule flexibility, inclusive planning, and acknowledgment of differing traditions.

The convergence also underscores how international lunar and liturgical calendars can intersect in ways that affect local life—an increasingly relevant reality in communities where cultural diversity and religious pluralism continue to expand.

Sources
The Columbian: Lunar New Year, Fat Tuesday, Ramadan and Lent occur around the same time this year