Lent (Latin: quadragésima, "Fortieth day (before Easter)"), is the liturgical time period (Christian calendar) designated by the Catholic Apostolic and Roman Church and the Orthodox Church, as well as certain evangelical churches, although with different starts and durations, for the preparation of the Easter feast. Officially, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just before the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. The duration of forty days comes from various biblical references and symbolizes Jesus' trial living for 40 days in the desert prior to his public mission. It also symbolizes the 40 days of the flood, the 40 years of the Jewish people's wandering in the desert, and the 40 years the Jews spent in Egypt. During this time, faithful Catholics are called to strengthen their faith through various acts of penance and reflection. Lent has five Sundays plus Palm Sunday (six in total), in which the themes of conversion, sin, penance, and forgiveness are dominant in the readings. It is not a sad time but rather meditative and introspective. It is, above all, the time of conversion and penance in the liturgical year. Therefore, in the Catholic mass, the "Gloria" is not sung at the end of the penitential act (except on Holy Thursday, during the Lord's Supper mass), nor is the "Alleluia" sung before the gospel. The liturgical color associated with this period is purple, associated with mourning, penance, and sacrifice, except on the fourth Sunday when pink is used and on Palm Sunday when red is used in reference to the Passion of the Lord. (Source: Wikipedia) Once we have learned some important facts about Lent, here are some recipe suggestions that will serve as a guide for what foods we can consume during this time. Take note. Potato Salad with Herbs A delicious and simple potato salad that can be prepared a day in advance. Fish Wrapped with Tomatoes and Olives Fish cooked in wax paper with tomatoes, thyme, and olives. Tamarind Margarita A delicious combination of tamarind and tequila. Lemon Mousse A cold lemon dessert, delicious for summer and heat. It is ideal if prepared a day in advance. Huachinango a la Veracruzana A delicious Veracruz-style fish recipe prepared with tomatoes, chiles, onion, and olives. Nopal Salad Nopal salad is a very tasty and nutritious salad. Nopal is an important source of fiber, vitamins A, B, B2, chlorophyll, and minerals. Dried Shrimp Broth It is said that a good shrimp broth is an effective remedy to combat a hangover after a night of partying. Try it for yourself. Cilantro Mousse A delicious cilantro mousse snack prepared with cream cheese, milk, broth, and chili.