Days Until Palm Sunday

The Path to Easter: Understanding Palm Sunday

The somber quiet of Lent is broken by a shout of joy: "Hosanna!" It marks the beginning of the most sacred week in the Christian calendar.

If you are searching "How many days until Palm Sunday?", you are likely preparing for Holy Week, planning a church service, or wondering when to weave your palm cross. This Sunday serves as the dramatic gateway to Easter, a day of both triumph and impending tragedy.

Our Live Palm Sunday Countdown Tool above tracks the exact moment until the procession begins. But beyond the timer, this guide is your companion. We will explore the biblical history, why the date changes every year, the symbolism of the palm branch, and how this ancient feast is celebrated around the world today.

When is Palm Sunday 2026? (March 29, 2026)

Palm Sunday is a movable feast, meaning its date changes annually based on the lunar calendar.

The Triumphal Entry: What Happened?

The events of Palm Sunday are recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), highlighting its significance.

The Arrival: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, a symbol of peace, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah: "See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey."

The Crowd: Pilgrims gathering for Passover greeted him like a king. They spread their cloaks on the road and cut branches from the trees, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Hosanna" is a Hebrew word meaning "Save us, we pray."

The Contrast: The joy of Palm Sunday stands in stark contrast to Good Friday, which follows just five days later. The same crowds that shouted "Hosanna" would soon shout "Crucify him," emphasizing the fickleness of human praise.

Why Palm Branches?

The use of palms wasn't random. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the palm branch was a potent symbol.

Your Countdown Strategy: Traditions

Use our days until Palm Sunday timer to prepare for the liturgy and home traditions.

• The Procession: Most services begin outside the church. Congregants hold palms and process inside, reenacting Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Arrive early to participate!
• Palm Weaving: It is traditional to fold the blessed palm fronds into small crosses, roses, or cones. These are kept in the home (often behind a crucifix or holy picture) as a sacramental for the coming year.
• The Passion Reading: The service usually includes a long reading of the Passion Narrative (the story of Jesus' arrest and death). This shifts the mood from the joy of the entry to the solemnity of Holy Week.
• Spring Cleaning: In many cultures, Palm Sunday marks the start of rigorous house cleaning to prepare for Easter.

Palm Sunday Around the World

While the story is universal, the local flora and culture shape the celebration.

Poland (Pussy Willows): Since palms don't grow in Poland, they use pussy willow branches adorned with colorful ribbons and dried flowers. There are competitions for the tallest and most beautiful "palm."

Philippines (Palaspas): The palms (palaspas) are intricately woven into artistic designs days in advance. On Sunday morning, priests bless them with holy water, and people bring them home to ward off evil spirits.

Italy & Spain: Olive branches are often used instead of (or alongside) palms, representing peace. These are often exchanged between families as a gesture of reconciliation.

India (Kerala): In the Christian communities of Kerala, flowers are strewn about the sanctuary, and the gospel is read while the congregation holds palm leaves, shouting "Hosanna."

Frequently Asked Questions