JERUSALEM (AP) - Thousands of Christian pilgrims and tourists from around the world marched through the hills of Jerusalem on Sunday, celebrating the holiday of Palm Sunday by retracing the path of Jesus' return to the holy city 2,000 years ago.
The procession of marchers waving palm fronds and flags, included monks, priests in white robes, clusters of nuns and huge crowds of singing layman. The march took them from the Mount of Olives into the Old City of Jerusalem.
The annual procession, which was sprayed with intermittent drizzle on Sunday, marks the start of the Christian holy week, leading up to Good Friday, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus, and Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection.
According to tradition, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey as followers spread palm branches in his path.
Nicholas Ignatieff, a pilgrim from France, said he was thrilled to be walking in the steps of Jesus.
