Boston Churches Celebrate Palm Sunday

Trinity Church and others mark start of Holy Week with traditional processions.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:08pm

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Churches across Massachusetts, including the iconic Trinity Church in Boston's Copley Square, held Palm Sunday processions to mark the start of Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. The annual tradition commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion and resurrection.

Why it matters

Palm Sunday is a significant event in the Christian calendar, kicking off the most sacred week of the year for many congregations. The processions and ceremonies held on this day set the tone for the solemn observances of Good Friday and the joyous celebrations of Easter Sunday.

The details

On Sunday morning, parishioners at Trinity Church and other places of worship across Massachusetts gathered outside their sanctuaries to reenact Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Carrying palm fronds, the congregants processed through the streets, commemorating the biblical account of Jesus riding a donkey as crowds waved palm branches and laid cloaks on the ground before him.

  • Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar.
  • This year, Palm Sunday fell on March 29, 2026.
  • Easter Sunday is celebrated on April 5, 2026.

The players

Trinity Church

A historic Episcopal church located in Boston's Copley Square, known for its Gothic Revival architecture and active congregation.

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What they’re saying

“The Palm Sunday procession is a powerful way to connect with the story of Jesus' final days and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.”

— Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, Rector, Trinity Church

What’s next

Churches across Massachusetts will continue to hold special services and events throughout Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday celebrations on April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The annual Palm Sunday processions in Boston and beyond serve as a poignant reminder of the deep roots of Christian faith in the local community, as congregations come together to commemorate this sacred time of year.