The majority of the country’s practicing Catholics initiated Lent by attending church on Ash Wednesday (Miercoles de Cenizas) when a priest – or in some cases a nun – stamped the sign of the cross on their foreheads in ash while reciting a familiar spiritual admonition such as “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or “You are dust and to dust you shall return.”
For many Mexican people Lent is traditionally a period of spiritual reflection that is enhanced through self denial, pious works and acts of charity.
Another widespread custom during Lent is the observance of la vigilia, meaning a diet free of red meat on Fridays as well as fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Butcher shops commonly close for business on these days, while restaurants offer their customers seafood and vegetarian specialties.