It commemorates the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches, a day full of faith, humility, and hope for believers worldwide.

What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday commemorates the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem and was greeted by crowds waving palm branches. Jesus rode into the city on a donkey rather than a horse, symbolising a message of peace over power.

Also known as Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday signals the start of Holy Week, one of the most sacred periods in the Christian calendar.

How people celebrate Palm Sunday

Churches worldwide mark Palm Sunday with prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible. Church services often include special readings about the suffering of Jesus to help followers reflect on his journey. Processions are common, with participants carrying palm branches, which are often blessed during the service. These palm leaves are sometimes taken home as a sign of faith.

In many traditions, the leaves are kept safely and later burned to prepare ashes for Ash Wednesday the following year. Some people also craft small crosses from palm leaves.

Palm Sunday traditions around the world

Palm Sunday is celebrated differently across countries while keeping the same spirit:

India: Churchgoers carry palm leaves during processions to mark the occasion.

Germany and nearby regions: People recreate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, sometimes with a donkey in processions.

England: Some communities burn figures known as Jack o' Lent.

Jerusalem: Pilgrims walk from the Mount of Olives to the Old City, following the path believed to have been taken by Jesus.

Finland: Children dress up and go door to door.

Poland: Communities compete to create decorative palm structures.

Spain: Palm leaves are sometimes covered to turn them white for the celebration.

Palm Sunday opens Holy Week, which runs until Easter Sunday. It is a time for Christians to reflect on the final days of Jesus' life and prepare for Easter.

Palm Sunday, March 29: Jesus enters Jerusalem. Churches hold processions and people carry palm branches.

Holy Monday, March 30: Focuses on Jesus' teachings and the moment he cleared the temple.

Holy Tuesday, March 31: Remembers the plotting of religious leaders against Jesus.

Holy Wednesday, April 1: Associated with Judas agreeing to betray Jesus. Churches hold quiet, reflective services.

Maundy Thursday, April 2: Marks the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and washed their feet, showing humility and service.

Good Friday, April 3: Observed to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is a day of prayer, fasting, and reflection.

Holy Saturday, April 4: A quiet day of waiting before Easter, often with night services in churches.

Easter Sunday, April 5: Celebrates Jesus' resurrection with prayers, gatherings, and joyful celebrations, symbolising hope and new beginnings.