WILLIAM DESJARDINS
For more than 25 years, Jesus in the City has been bringing the Body of Christ together to lift up the name of Jesus on city streets through music, arts, and culture. This September 6, the celebration returns to downtown Toronto for its 26th Annual Jesus in the City Parade, beginning at noon in Queen’s Park and winding through the city in a vibrant public expression of faith, unity, and the love of God.
Founded in 1999 by Rev. Ayanna Solomon, Jesus in the City | Festival of Praise International is a charitable, non-profit community network that collaborates with churches, organizations, and artists worldwide to spread the Gospel through creative means. From Toronto to the Caribbean, the United States, and beyond, the movement has grown into an international celebration of faith and artistic expression.
A Parade That Brings the Bible to Life
The Annual Jesus in the City Parade is a lively musical street pageant, attracting more than 25,000 attendees each year. Floats, marching bands, choirs, congregants, and worshippers fill the streets, illustrating themes from the Bible through costumes, banners, flags, and live gospel music. Participants walk in celebration, sharing messages of hope, love, peace, and the joy of salvation.
The inaugural parade, held in Toronto on September 11, 1999, depicted every book of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Since then, Jesus in the City has sponsored public events, worship conferences, outdoor festivals, and global parades — from Bakersfield, California (2010) to Grenada (2016), Jamaica (2018), and most recently St. Kitts & Nevis (2024).
Expanding the Mission Globally
Jesus in the City’s mission is fourfold:
- To mobilize believers to raise a Godly standard in society.
- To restore the cultural relevance of music and the arts in worship.
- To encourage unity in the Body of Christ, lifting one voice to God.
- To draw people to receive Jesus through the truth of His Word.
The organization has used diverse methods — from creative arts, theatre, and visual displays to festivals, media, and community outreach — to meet both spiritual and social needs. Events such as the Taste of Jesus in the City Concert (launched in 2011), Prayer & Worship Gatherings (2015), and the Christmas in the City Festival Concert (2017) continue to foster community engagement. Even during the pandemic, the message spread through the Virtual World Parade (2020–2021), connecting believers worldwide via online collaborations.
What to Expect This Year
This year’s parade will feature a free family festival in Queen’s Park, complete with live performances, community booths, interactive exhibits, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow will attend for the second consecutive year, highlighting the city’s recognition of faith and cultural diversity — especially after the Toronto City Council declared December as “Christian Heritage Month” in 2024.
Organizers are calling on passionate volunteers to help bring the 2025 parade and festival to life. Support for the event can come through prayer, financial partnership, volunteering, or sharing artistic gifts and talents.
Gratitude and Global Impact
For more than two decades, Jesus in the City has expressed gratitude for its many partners, sponsors, artists, volunteers, and supporters who have helped carry the message of hope, faith, and unity into cities around the world.
As the streets of Toronto prepare to come alive with music, colour, and celebration on September 6, Jesus in the City continues its vision: to celebrate love for God and love for people through music, arts, and culture.
For more information, to volunteer, or to support the mission, visit jesusinthecity.com or contact 416.770.8699 | info@jesusinthecity.com.
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