Ash Wednesday (February 14, 2024), all Fridays of Lent and Good Friday (March 29, 2024) are days of abstinence (refraining from meat) for all Catholics from age 14 onwards.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, fasting, as well as abstinence, is also obligatory for those from the ages of 18-59.
Fasting means one full meal a day, with two smaller meals and nothing between meals (liquids are permitted).
No Catholic will lightly excuse himself or herself from this obligation.