Hosaena in Aksum: Witness the Sacred Splendor of Palm Sunday

Celebrate Hosaena (Palm Sunday) in the spiritual heart of Tigrai—Aksum, home to Ethiopia’s holiest site, the Church of St. Mary of Zion, believed to house the Ark of the Covenant. Taking place a week before Easter, Hosaena commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and offers a deeply moving and authentic experience for travelers.

While it draws fewer international visitors than Timqet, Hosaena holds immense significance for Ethiopians, transforming Aksum into a vibrant hub of devotion and festivity. On Palm Sunday morning, the area around St. Mary of Zion comes alive as thousands of worshippers, holding palm branches and olive leaves, gather in prayer and song. The atmosphere is filled with spiritual chants, the scent of incense, and the soft rustling of palms, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

For visitors, this is a rare opportunity to witness an intimate and profound expression of Ethiopian Orthodox faith in one of the most sacred places on earth. Come and experience Hosaena in Aksum—where history, spirituality, and culture converge in a celebration like no other.