By Georgena Habbaba
ACI MENA, Apr 14, 2025 / 17:12 pm
The streets of Qaraqosh, Iraq — also known as Baghdeda — were filled with joy as residents celebrating Palm Sunday carried olive branches and palm fronds in a grand procession of nearly 20,000 Christians.
Following the traditional “Teshmeshto” prayer service, the procession set off from the Grand Immaculate Conception Cathedral, led by Bishop Benedictos Younan Hanno, the Syriac Catholic archbishop of Mosul and its dependencies. He was accompanied by local clergy and parish priests, followed by groups of monks, nuns, deacons, catechism students, choir members, church associations, and throngs of faithful.
As they walked through the streets of Qaraqosh, participants sang Palm Sunday hymns in both Arabic and Syriac, waving olive branches and many wearing traditional attire from Qaraqosh and other Christian towns and villages in Iraq.
Welcome to ‘The City of Hosanna’
Qaraqosh, also known as Baghdeda, is a city filled with joy and celebration, especially during Palm Sunday. Father Rony Salim, chancellor of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul, describes Qaraqosh as the “City of Hosanna” due to its vibrant and spirited Palm Sunday celebrations.
This year, nearly 20,000 people participated in the procession, including local residents, members of the Qaraqosh diaspora returning home for the festivities, and visitors from other Christian towns and villages across Iraq. The unique Palm Sunday traditions of Qaraqosh attract people from far and wide.
“Many Qaraqosh natives living abroad take advantage of the Easter holidays to return home and partake in these celebrations filled with joy, love, and the rich heritage of their ancestors,” Father Salim shared.
During the procession, palm branches and olive branches were carried, symbolizing victory, strength, and peace. As Salim emphasized, “We too are strong in our king, Jesus, who triumphed over death. Today we welcome him with palm branches as king, and with olive branches as prince of peace.”
Local volunteers in Qaraqosh played a crucial role in preparing for the event by gathering branches, decorating the streets, and adding symbols of Palm Sunday throughout the town.
