News Summary
San Antonio kicks off Lent with Ash Wednesday celebrations and local restaurant specials. The observance invites reflection and personal sacrifice. Local eateries, including Bill Miller Bar-B-Q and Taco Cabana, are offering delicious seafood and Lenten-themed dishes from now until April 17, enhancing the experience of those observing the season. This year’s offerings include fried fish, shrimp specials, and the return of popular sandwiches, providing ample options for everyone to enjoy.
San Antonio Kicks Off Lent with Ash Wednesday Celebrations and Local Restaurant Specials
Hey there, San Antonio! It’s that time of year again when Christians all around the world are observing Ash Wednesday, signaling the start of the Lenten season. This annual tradition lasts for 40 days and is a period of reflection, renewal, and, for many, personal sacrifice as we head toward Easter.
What Ash Wednesday Means
For many believers, Ash Wednesday is seen as a journey of humility and repentance. During special services, worshippers receive a mark of ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross, a poignant reminder of one’s mortality and faith. Priests take a moment to say, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” emphasizing the spiritual journey we are embarking on. For many, it marks a fresh start and an opportunity to refocus on what truly matters in their lives.
As Father Ruben Garcia has pointed out, the ashes serve to remind individuals of their humanity, while the cross symbolizes the hope of resurrection. Lent invites people to engage in meaningful practices such as prayer, fasting, and self-discipline. Some might choose to give up certain luxuries, while others may adopt new spiritual habits, like incorporating more kindness into their daily lives. Deacon Jim Wayne emphasizes that Lent is about strengthening one’s relationship with God, encouraging everyone to take this time to reflect and grow.
San Antonio’s Special Offerings During Lent
As the Lenten season kicks off in San Antonio, local restaurants are rolling out some tasty specials to help you enjoy this meaningful time. From now until April 17, you’ll find plenty of options catering to those observing Lent, especially on Ash Wednesday.
For starters, folks aged 14 and older are generally asked to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, but there’s still a lot to look forward to! Dairy, eggs, and fish are all acceptable fare during this time, and local eateries have caught on to this.
One beloved spot, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, is offering up fried fish not just on Ash Wednesday, but every Friday throughout Lent. It’s a delicious and convenient way to satisfy your fish cravings! Meanwhile, La Madeleine is giving patrons three limited-time Lent deals featuring a mouthwatering shrimp/chicken orzo salad, shrimp/chicken orzo pasta, and a shrimp baguette, all available until April 20.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, don’t miss Mambo Seafood, which is rolling out special Lenten dishes, including a delightful seafood version of their famous Mambo Fried Rice and a tempting crawfish platter. Over at Sea Island Shrimp House, you’ll find daily seafood options and family-style to-go trays packed with crispy fried shrimp and fish.
And taco lovers, rejoice! Taco Cabana is launching $3.99 shrimp tacos packed with battered shrimp starting this Ash Wednesday. Not to be outdone, Whataburger is bringing back the popular Whatacatch Sandwich and Whatacatch Platter for Lent. Whether you go for the sandwich with its seasoned battered Alaskan pollock fillet or the crispy fish platter served alongside fries and tartar sauce, you’re in for a treat!
Embrace the Season
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: Ash Wednesday in San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Ash Wednesday
- EverythingLubbock: Ash Wednesday in Lubbock
- Google Search: Ash Wednesday 2023
- KSAT: Seafood Specials During Lent
- Google Scholar: Ash Wednesday
- News4SA: Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ash Wednesday
- FoxSanAntonio: Ash Wednesday Photos
- Google News: Ash Wednesday
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
