ABOUT JESUS IN THE CITY

For over 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 the annual Jesus in the City Parade. Jesus in the City collaborates with organizations, churches and artists internationally to spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cities around the world through the creative arts, parades, festivals, theatre, the visual arts and media, developing programs to meet spiritual and social needs. Jesus in the City | Festival of Praise International is a charitable organization established in 1999 as a non-profit community network.


The Annual Jesus in the City Parade is a lively musical street pageant, illustrating

themes from the Bible through music, the arts and worship. The parade attracts over 25,000 in attendance as floats, marching bands, choirs, congregants and worshippers walk the streets of downtown Toronto in celebration, spreading the message of hope, love, peace and the joy of salvation. Our vision is to celebrate love for God and love for people through music the arts &

culture.

History

1st  Parade September 1999

On September 11, 1999 the first parade was launched in Toronto featuring all the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with live Gospel music, floats, costumes, banners and flags. Since then Jesus in the City has sponsored several public events, worship conferences and outdoor festivals. 

1st Taste of Jesus in the City 2011

The Taste of Jesus in the City Concert started indoors as a kick-off the parade and moved outdoors to

Yonge-Dundas Square in 2015.

1st  JITC Pastors' Breakfast 2015

The first Jesus in the City Pastor's & Leaders Breakfast was launched, hosting pastors and local community leaders and police services.

1st JITC Prayer & Worship Sessions 2015

Jesus in the City Prayer & Worship gatherings started in local churches across the city and online.

1st  International Parade 2016

Jesus in the City Parade was launched internationally in the Caribbean on the island of Grenada in 2016 and in Jamaica in 2018.

1st  Christmas in the City 2017

The Christmas in the City Festival Concert was launched celebrating the Christmas season and giving back to local and international children's missions.


1st  Virtual World Parade 2020

Jesus in the City conducted its first virtual parade called the Jesus in the City VIRTUAL WORLD PARADE, due to the gathering restrictions during the pandemic. The parade journeys around the world incorporating virtual choir collaborations and artists from around the world.

HISTORY

1st  Jesus in the City Toronto Parade | September 1999

On September 11, 1999 the first parade was launched in Toronto featuring all the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with live Gospel music, floats, costumes, banners and flags. Since then Jesus in the City has sponsored several public events, worship conferences and outdoor festivals. 

Jesus in the City Bakersfield, California | 2010

The Jesus in the City Parade was launched in Bakersfield California in 2010. It was the first Jesus in the City Parade held in the United States..

Taste of Jesus in the City Concert 2011 | Toronto

The Taste of Jesus in the City Concert started indoors as a kick-off the parade and moved outdoors to

Yonge-Dundas Square in 2015.

JITC Pastors' Breakfast 2015

The first Jesus in the City Pastor's & Leaders Breakfast was launched, hosting pastors and local community leaders and Police Services.


JITC Monthly Prayer & Worship Gatherings 2015

Jesus in the City Prayer & Worship gatherings started in local churches across the city and online.

1st  International Parade 2016

Jesus in the City Parade was launched internationally in the Caribbean on the island of Grenada in 2016 and in Jamaica in 2018.

Christmas in the City 2017

The Christmas in the City Festival Concert was launched celebrating the Christmas season and giving back to local and international children's missions.


1st  Virtual World Parade 2020

Jesus in the City conducted its first virtual parade called the Jesus in the City VIRTUAL WORLD PARADE, due to the gathering restrictions during the pandemic. The parade journeys around the world incorporating virtual choir collaborations and artists from around the world. The 2021 Jesus in the City Parade was also conducted virtually due to continued restrictions.

Jesus in the City St. Kitts & Nevis Parade | 2024

Jesus in the City was launched on the island of St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies. St. Kitts & Nevis is the third island in the Caribbean to host a Jesus in the City Parade & Festival.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER | REV. AYANNA SOLOMON

Ayanna Solomon is the Founder and President of Jesus in the City, an international evangelistic movement dedicated to taking worship, prayer, and the message of Jesus Christ beyond the walls of the church and into the streets of cities around the world.


Since founding Jesus in the City in Toronto in 1999, Rev. Solomon has spent more than 25 years mobilizing churches, ministries, artists, businesses, and community organizations to publicly demonstrate the love of Christ through parades, festivals, worship gatherings, community outreaches, and collaborative initiatives. Under her leadership, Jesus in the City has expanded beyond Canada into the Caribbean and continues to grow internationally.


An ordained minister, worship leader, Bible teacher, missionary, and conference speaker, Rev. Solomon is passionate about unity within the Body of Christ and equipping believers to live out their faith in practical and transformational ways. She has ministered throughout North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond, teaching, preaching, and training leaders in evangelism, worship, and discipleship.


Rev. Solomon has also established Bible training initiatives in the West Indies and has served as an instructor at national and international leadership conferences, including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Evangelism Leadership Conference in Canada.


Through her ministry, media appearances, community engagement, and global partnerships, Rev. Solomon continues to inspire individuals and churches to boldly share the Gospel and serve their communities with compassion, creativity, and excellence.


Her life's mission is simple: to see Jesus lifted up in every city and every nation.

VISION

Celebrating our love for God and love for people, through music, the arts, and culture

MISSION

A black and white drawing of a globe on a white background.

TO MOBILIZE believers to raise up a Godly standard in society.

A black and white drawing of a church with a cross on top.

TO RESTORE the cultural relevance of music and the arts in worship.

TO ENCOURAGE unity in the Body of Christ, lifting up one voice unto God.

TO CAUSE people to identify with God's Word, drawing them to receive Jesus.

COME SEE OUR MISSION FOR YOURSELF!

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