Watch as Catholics observe Ash Wednesday in Mexico

Watch from Mexico as Catholics observe Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent.

This video shows the scene in Mexico City on Wednesday, 22 February, as the religious day is celebrated.

Ash Wednesday commences the start of a period of fasting or abstinence by those who practise.

Part of the day’s observation includes the marking of a cross with ashes on the foreheads of worshipers.

The 40 days of Lent are generally seen as marking the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.

Those taking part in Lent often also abstain from certain habits such as watching excessive amounts of television or social media.

Lent comes to an end on Easter Sunday, when Christians often gather for a feast to break their period of abstinence.

Ash Wednesday is not a national public holiday in Mexico, but rather a religious observance.

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