Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, and in Terrassa, Plaça Vella has been the heart of the celebration. Hundreds of people, mostly families with children, gathered for the blessing of palms, palm fronds, and laurel branches, commemorating Jesus of Nazareth's entry into Jerusalem, as recounted in biblical texts.
The Bishop of Terrassa, Salvador Cristau, led the procession from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit to the platform in the square. During his speech, he emphasized the joy of the festivity and called for peace amidst global conflicts. He also encouraged parents and grandparents to enroll children in religious classes, asserting that catechism is fundamental for character development.
“"We live in difficult times, in which we hear rumors of wars, confrontations. If there are wars in the world, we are called to be bearers of peace."
The presence of social media was a notable element of the day. Many families, like that of María Méndez, took the opportunity to take photos with the palms, considering it "another way of experiencing it" and a means to attract more people to the tradition. However, this trend is not viewed favorably by everyone.
“"While you are focused on your phone screen, you don't feel what you are supposed to feel."
Fran Vicenç, another citizen of Terrassa, laments that the tradition has been "completely lost" and that many attendees only come for the photo, prioritizing Instagram over mass. His wife, Mercè Ramos, added that young people are very active on social media and that, to attract them, the believing community should also adapt to these digital spaces.
Concurrently, the Brotherhood of La Borriquita de les Arenes held its traditional procession, which started from the parish of Santa Marta de les Arenes. On this occasion, the youth of the brotherhood played a leading role, carrying the images of La Borriquita and the Mare de Déu de la Salut i la Llum on their shoulders.
