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Christians from various denominations across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis once again joined together in a vibrant display of faith, unity, and celebration at the 3rd Annual Jesus in the City St. Kitts & Nevis Parade & Festival, held on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The day’s festivities began in Independence Square with prayer, praise, worship, dance, and music as participants gathered to celebrate their faith and fellowship. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as churches, ministries, performers, and supporters came together for what has become a growing annual tradition.
The parade then made its way through the streets of downtown Basseterre, bringing joyful sounds of worship and colourful expressions of faith to residents and visitors alike. Participants marched along West Independence Square, Bay Road, Fort Street, Cayon Street, through Sand Down, and back through the city before returning to Independence Square.
One of the highlights of the procession was a series of ornately decorated floats depicting scenes and stories from the Bible, including presentations of the Resurrection through the “He Is Risen” float, a Levitical Priest dramatization, and portrayals of the story of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi.
Participants wore tropical blue jerseys featuring the names of communities across St. Kitts on the back and “Jesus in the City” on the front, symbolizing unity among churches and believers throughout the Federation.
In addition to the celebration, the event served as a creative evangelistic outreach. Care packages were distributed to individuals in need, while volunteers handed out tokens and pens to spectators along the parade route.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley joined the celebrations and testified to the impact of the event on the community. He recounted witnessing individuals leaving rum shops, discarding their alcohol bottles, and joining the parade as it passed through the city, describing it as a powerful demonstration of the event’s positive influence and outreach.
The all-day event culminated in a high-energy gospel concert featuring some of the Federation’s most talented performers and groups, including the National Intervention Police Youth Drum Corps, St. Peter’s String Band, Jazzy D, Edward Williams, Paige, Susan Best, and M1, among others.
Organizers have already begun preparations for the 2027 Jesus in the City St. Kitts & Nevis Parade & Festival, scheduled for May 15, 2027.
Jesus in the City was founded in Toronto, Canada, in 1999 by Rev. Ayanna Solomon. Inspired by a vision to bring people closer to God through music, arts, and culture, Rev. Solomon has spent the past 27 years leading worship celebrations in public spaces and communities.
In addition to Canada, she has spearheaded Jesus in the City events in Grenada, Jamaica, and now St. Kitts & Nevis. Her vision is to see Jesus in the City celebrations take place throughout the Caribbean and nations around the world.
Rev. Ayanna Solomon referenced Scripture to highlight the biblical foundation of praise through music and dance. She cited Psalm 149:3 and Psalm 150:4–5, noting the instruction to praise God with drums and dance, and Isaiah 43:21, which declares, “These people I have formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” She also pointed to the example of King David, who danced before the Lord with all his might when the ark of God was brought back into the city of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14–16). Rev. Solomon emphasized that bringing praise into the streets reflects a longstanding Judeo-Christian tradition and forms part of the spiritual heritage of believers.
She added, “I encourage all believers and churches to come together, set aside divisions, and take advantage of the opportunity and freedom we have as the Body of Christ, while we have it.”
Local Leadership and Community Support
Behind the celebrations and festive pageantry is a dedicated local leadership team whose commitment and sacrifice have helped make the event possible.
The organizing committee includes Fritz Jones, Donna Peets-Polanco, Yolande de Castro, Jermaine Willock, Minerva Wilson, Mary Liburd, Adwon Carty, Jodine Flemming, Keisha Mills, Lincoln David-Pelle, and Eunice Greenway, along with a large team of volunteers and church representatives.
Jesus in the City also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Ecclesiastical & Faith-Based Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Permanent Secretary Elreter Simpson-Browne.
The organization also recognized the support of many companies and individuals both within and outside the Federation, including Edward de Gale Consulting Services, providing consulting services over the past three years, Digital Consultants Web Management, along with numerous local organizations, churches, whose sponsorship and contributions made a tremendous difference in the quality and success of the event.
Participating Churches and Ministries
Antioch Baptist Church, Church of God of Prophecy (St. Kitts), Eden Brown Church of God (Nevis), Faith Tabernacle Church of God (Basseterre), Faith Tabernacle Church of God (Old Road), House of Deliverance New Testament Church of God, Ignite Church Nevis, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kingdom Advance Church, Liberty New Testament Church of God, M28:19 Band (Nevis), Millionaire Harvest Christian Centre, Nevis Church Network, New Birth Gospel Tabernacle, Pentecostal Church of God (Basseterre), Pentecostal Church of God (Saddlers), People’s Evangelistic Center, Real Love Band, Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre, Royal Palace RCCG St. Kitts & Nevis, Tehillah Gospel Band, The Victory Centre, and Unique Touch Christian Centre all participated in the parade with enthusiasm and creative expressions of worship.
Vendors
Vendors participating in the event included Bassue Snacks & Bouncy Castle, Domino’s Pizza, Look On The Brighter Side, Ole School Bar, One Stop Party Shop, Treats & Eats, and Trinity Pops, offering food, refreshments, and family-friendly services throughout the day.
Ministry of Ecclesiastical & Faith-Based Affairs, ZIZ Communications, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing & Disabilities, Ministry of Education, NEMA, SCASPA, Apple Syder Ferry, Blackstone Family Nevis, C&C Auto Services Ltd., Dr. Blake’s Dental Clinic, Empire, Fairview Great House & Botanical Gardens, Freedom FM Radio, Hertz Rentals, Hinds Electrical & Equipment Services, Island Purified Water, 1 & J Electrical Installations, Island Mouldings, Islander Watersports Water Taxi Service, Palm Branch Media, Pro Video Productions, Public Works, Q Sound, RAM’s, Red Cross St. Kitts & Nevis, Royal Central Praise SKB, S & E News Room, Savi’s Nail Care & Decor, Skandis Waste Management, SKN News Line, SL Stage & Lighting, South Beach Promo, TVC, The Cable, Vallie’s Tent Rentals, Vinyl Arts, and Voice of the Caribbean.
Jesus in the City remains committed to bringing the Church together and reaching the nation through creative evangelism, worship, and community outreach.
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