Vicksburg put the fun of Mardi Gras behind it as Lent officially began with Ash Wednesday across the River City and the rest of Warren County.

From local churches to Vicksburg Catholic School, many Christians annually observe Ash Wednesday by having ashes spread across their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period of preparation for Easter known as Lent, when many Christians choose to give up some practice, behavior or other sacrifice in observance of the season.