Homs, March 29 (SANA) Residents of Homs gathered in the Old City on Saturday to revive “Plant Thursday,” a centuries-old spring ritual, in a heritage march that blended cultural memory with public celebration after a long absence.
Around 150 participants, including members of the Syrian Scouts, walked through historic neighborhoods in a procession aimed at reconnecting the city with one of its traditional seasonal customs.
The event, sponsored by the Homs Governorate and the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, was organized in cooperation with local heritage groups, including the “Homs Wednesday” team and the Syrian Historical Society.
The march began at Bab al-Masdoud and passed several landmarks, including the tomb of Abu Firas al-Hamdani, Bab al-Turkman and the Mosque of Uthman ibn Affan, before reaching the Citadel of Homs, a site long associated with communal spring celebrations.
Participants carried green plants and planted seedlings around the citadel, symbolizing renewal, continuity and the enduring relationship between the city and its natural rhythms.
Participant Rinas Jahwani said the march resembled a journey of life, bringing together different segments of society through the streets of the Old City, including areas that had been damaged in recent years.
She said the route conveyed a message of revival and a renewed commitment to preserving heritage and identity.
Fares al-Atassi, deputy governor of Homs, said the event reflects efforts to restore traditions that once formed part of the city’s social fabric, noting that residents historically gathered at the citadel to mark the arrival of spring.
Jamal al-Atassi, head of the “Homs Wednesday” team, said the occasion is part of a broader cycle of traditional spring festivities known as “Al-Khamsanat” (Thursdays), highlighting the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage in a changing urban landscape.
“Plant Thursday” is one of Homs’ long-standing spring traditions, when residents would gather for a collective outing around the citadel, carrying plants and vegetables, sharing food and traditional chants to celebrate the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature.
R.D
