If you are from Barcelona you will already know the tradition (although perhaps not its meaning). And if you are from abroad and have been here for a while, you’ve probably wondered why every Easter Sunday the city is full of children carrying giant yellow palm leaves as if they were all going to the same kind of flower shop.
This is the tradition of the Palm Sunday palm, a Catalan custom with religious origins that is somewhat in decline, but is deeply linked to the territory and, therefore, it is interesting to know to, perhaps, retake it in a non-Christian way practicing.
What is the tradition of the Palm?
The palm is just that, a braided and sometimes decorated palm leaf that, traditionally, godfathers and godmothers give to their godchildren on Palm Sunday when they go to mass.
There are palms(long, braided leaves, sometimes decorated with candies or ribbons), palmons (whole palms, larger, smooth, traditional for children) or olive leaves, symbol of peace.
What does it symbolize?
Carrying the palm is a gesture that recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when the people received him waving olive branches and palms and shouting Hosanna.
At that time , waving branches meant welcoming a king or someone very special.
Where to buy palms in Barcelona
In Catalonia,godparents give a palm to their godchildren on Diumenge de Rams, so that they can go to mass with it. Evidently, people go less and less, so the tradition is in decline.
The palms are handmade pieces made by hand from palm shoots that have been previously coated so that they do not receive sunlight, which gives them their characteristic pale yellow color.
The palms are purchased at the city’s Palm Fairs. There are currently two;:
- Feria de Ramos de la plaza de la Sagrada Família. From April 9 to 13 from 9:00 to 21:00 hours. Sunday 13 will only be open in the morning.
- Rambla Catalunya Palm Fair. From 9 to 13 April from 9:00 to 21:00 hours. Sunday 13 will only be open in the morning.