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Communities Embrace Seafood During Lent's Friday Fish Fry

2/20/2026

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Catholics Embrace Lent

Catholics begin Lent this week, during which they abstain from meat on Fridays.
Fish becomes a popular alternative, prompting many restaurants to offer seafood options.
A personal account highlights Friday fish fries, especially in Western Pennsylvania and the Midwest, where communities gather.
A new recipe, Easy Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl, emerges as a quick, customizable Lent dish using canned tuna and instant rice.

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Festivals Celebrate Fasting

This week features two significant religious food festivals: Pancake Day and Orthodox Maslenitsa.
Pancake Day involves a full day of cooking with various sweet and savory options.
Orthodox Maslenitsa, or cheesefare week, marks the final days before Lent and emphasizes dairy after last week's meat focus.
Both celebrations prepare for the fasting period and highlight the enjoyment of food, especially cheese.

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Catholics Embrace Lent

Catholics begin Lent this week, during which they abstain from meat on Fridays.
Fish becomes a popular alternative, prompting many restaurants to offer seafood options.
A personal account highlights Friday fish fries, especially in Western Pennsylvania and the Midwest, where communities gather.
A new recipe, Easy Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl, emerges as a quick, customizable Lent dish using canned tuna and instant rice.

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