✝️ Palm Sunday in Qaraqosh (Baghdeda)

✝️ Palm Sunday in Qaraqosh (Baghdeda), Iraq

📍 Location

Qaraqosh, also known by its Syriac name Baghdeda, is the largest Christian town in Iraq, located in the Nineveh Plains, east of Mosul. The majority of the population are Syriac Catholics, and it’s considered a spiritual and cultural center for Iraqi Christians.

📅 When is Palm Sunday in 2026?

For Catholics (Syriac Catholic majority in Qaraqosh):

📆 Sunday, March 29, 2026

For Orthodox Christians:

📆 Sunday, April 5, 2026

🌿 What is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where people welcomed him by waving palm branches and shouting:

"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

It marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading to Easter.

🌾 How is Palm Sunday celebrated in Qaraqosh?

🕊️ 1. Mass and Procession

Held in major churches like:

Al-Tahira Church (the largest church in Iraq and one of the largest in the Middle East)

Mar Behnam and Sara Church

Thousands of faithful attend, filling the church and the surrounding courtyards.

A special blessing of the palms takes place during the mass.

👧🧒 2. Children’s Parade

The most iconic part of Palm Sunday in Qaraqosh is the children’s procession.

Children wear white clothes—many dress as angels or disciples.

They carry decorated palm and olive branches tied with colorful ribbons.

A joyful march follows the church mass, with singing and music.

Families gather to take photos and celebrate.

🏠 3. Decorations and Symbols

Homes and church entrances are decorated with palms and olive branches.

Palm crosses are crafted and kept inside homes for blessings and protection.

Incense is sometimes burned outside churches or homes.

🎶 4. Traditional Hymns

Hymns in Syriac and Arabic are sung, such as

"Hosanna in the highest!"

"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

These hymns carry deep emotional and spiritual meaning for the people.

🚌✨ One-Day Cultural Tour: Mosul to Qaraqosh (Baghdeda)

⏳ Duration: Full Day (Round Trip)
📍 Start & End Point: Mosul
🗓️ Suggested Date: Palm Sunday or Any Cultural/Religious Day

🕗 Itinerary:

🕕 7:30 AM – Departure from Mosul

Meeting point: Near Nabi Younis Square or Al-Zahraa area

Welcome snacks & bottled water

Brief introduction to the Nineveh Plains and Christian heritage in the region during the ride.

🕗 8:30 AM – Arrival in Qaraqosh (Baghdeda)

Warm welcome by local hosts or a local guide

Orientation: “Welcome to the largest Christian city in Iraq”

🕘 9:00 AM – Attend Palm Sunday Mass (optional but recommended on that day)

Join the beautiful Palm Sunday service at Al-Tahira Church

See children dressed in white carrying palm and olive branches

Experience hymns in Syriac and Arabic, along with joyful community celebrations

Great opportunity for photography and cultural immersion

🕚 11:00 AM – Walking Tour of the Town

Visit:

Mar Behnam and Sara Church

Reconstructed neighborhoods post-ISIS

Traditional homes and local markets

Witness traditional decorations, especially during feast days

🕛 1:00 PM – Traditional Iraqi Lunch

Enjoy homemade-style food in a local restaurant or guesthouse

Menu may include: Dolma, grilled kebabs, Qaraqosh-style okra stew, or fish tray

Cultural exchange and conversation with locals

🕒 3:00 PM – Visit Local Handicrafts Workshop or Cultural Center

Learn about local Christian crafts and religious art

Opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs (crosses, icons, carvings)

🕓 4:00 PM – Relaxation Time at the Public Garden

Light refreshments: tea or fresh juice

Quiet time for reflection, journaling, or prayer

🕔 5:00 PM – Farewell & Departure to Mosul

Say goodbye to the locals

Receive a symbolic gift (blessed palm, handmade token)

Return drive to Mosul

🕕 6:00 PM – Arrival Back in Mosul

End of the tour

Group photo and warm farewells

✅ Included:

Round-trip transportation

Local guide

Entry to churches and cultural sites

Traditional lunch

Bottled water & welcome snack

Small souvenir