02/18/2026
Today is a beautiful reminder of just how diverse, connected, and culturally rich our world truly is. ๐โจ
Rare Alignment: This year, 2026, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Mardi Gras all align around February 17, with Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras on February 17 and Ramadan starting that evening or the following day.
Lunar New Year: Occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually falling between January 21 and February 20.
Mardi Gras: Always held on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (47 days before Easter), falling between February 3 and March 9.
Ramadan: Moves backward by about 10 days each year because it follows the 354-day Islamic lunar calendar.
The last time these specific three lunar-based holidays were in this close proximity was roughly 1953. The last time Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras overlapped was 2002!
While each of these observances comes from different cultures, histories, and faith traditions, they share meaningful themes of reflection, renewal, celebration, family, and community. โค๏ธ
For many Christians and Catholics, Mardi Gras is a time of joyful celebration before the reflective season of Lent begins. Lent is a period centered on prayer, fasting, generosity, and spiritual growth.
For our Muslim families, Ramadan marks a sacred month of fasting, prayer, self-discipline, and compassion โ a deeply meaningful time focused on faith, gratitude, and community.
For many East and Southeast Asian families, Lunar New Year is a vibrant celebration of new beginnings, honoring ancestors, wishing prosperity, and gathering with loved ones.
Different traditions. Different expressions. Yet all rooted in values that matter โ family, gratitude, growth, and hope.
At For the Love of Learning SETX, we are honored to serve a beautifully diverse community. Our little learners come from different backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and family traditions โ and that diversity is something we celebrate intentionally and respectfully. Representation matters. Inclusion matters. Creating spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and respected matters.
We believe education is not just about academics โ itโs about understanding the world around us. Itโs about teaching children to appreciate similarities, respect differences, and grow up with empathy and curiosity. When we acknowledge and celebrate meaningful cultural moments like today, we are planting seeds of awareness and kindness in the hearts of our little learners.
Today was a celebration for many cultures โ and we are grateful to walk alongside families from all of them. ๐ค
To our families observing Mardi Gras/Lent, Ramadan, or Lunar New Year โ we see you, we honor you, and we celebrate with you. โค๏ธ
Our doors and hearts are open to all.