Palm Sunday is one of the most emblematic celebrations in the Catholic calendar and marks the beginning of Holy Week. In Colombia, this day carries special significance due to the country’s deep cultural connection with religious practices. Thousands of worshippers gather in churches, plazas, and streets to participate in ceremonies that combine liturgy, tradition, and a sense of community identity. This year, Palm Sunday is celebrated on March 29.
This date commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when he was greeted with palm branches and expressions of joy. For this reason, the day is characterized by the presence of blessed palms and branches, symbolizing the faith and hope with which believers begin their spiritual journey toward Easter.
Religious celebrations for Palm Sunday across the country
One of the central activities of Palm Sunday in Colombia is the solemn Mass with the blessing of the palms. Attendees bring palm leaves, laurel branches, olive branches, or plants typical of each region, such as corozo palms or wax palms in rural areas. During the ceremony, the priest blesses these plants, which many families keep in their homes as a sign of protection and spiritual renewal throughout the year.
After the Mass, numerous cities organize processions that recreate Jesus’ path toward Jerusalem. These religious events attract large crowds and become a collective expression of devotion. In cities like Popayan — where Holy Week was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO — the Palm Sunday processions feature colonial wooden floats and parades accompanied by sacred music. In Mompox, the activities take place at nightfall and stand out for their solemnity and deep popular roots.
In Cartagena, one of the most visited cities during Holy Week, parishes organize large open-air Masses followed by processions through the historic center. The participation of both tourists and locals turns the day into an event of great cultural significance. In Bogota and Medellin, churches such as the Primatial Cathedral and the Basilica of La Candelaria gather thousands of worshippers for the blessing of palms in open spaces.
A day of symbolism and spiritual preparation
Palm Sunday holds deep meaning for the Catholic Church, representing the beginning of the journey toward the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Ritual elements such as the palms evoke spiritual victory and recognition of Jesus’ message. The procession, in turn, symbolizes the faithful accompanying Him along this final path toward redemptive sacrifice.
For many Colombians, this day is also an opportunity to renew promises of faith and strengthen their sense of community.
@irenealcaldesapetrer El Domingo de Ramos es una fecha de gran tradición y significado para muchas personas. Este día marca el inicio de la Semana Santa y está arraigado en nuestras costumbres y rituales culturales. Es un momento en el que recordamos la entrada simbólica de Jesús en Jerusalén y damos inicio a una semana llena de conmemoraciones. Las parroquias de San Bartolomé y la Santa Cruz hab celebrado sus respectivas procesiones. #semanasanta #domingoderamos ♬ sonido original – Irene Navarro Alcaldesa Petrer