Belfast: The streets of Belfast came alive with songs of praise and public witness as thousands of Christians from across Ireland joined the annual March for Jesus, a vibrant rally dedicated to proclaiming faith in Christ.
This year’s march began at Ormeau Embankment and concluded at City Hall, drawing an estimated crowd of more than 5,000 participants. Organizers described the gathering as a family-friendly, non-political demonstration of faith, emphasizing unity among Christians from different denominations.
The marchers carried banners emblazoned with messages such as “Jesus Christ is God” and waved placards declaring the glory of Christ. Many attendees also wore clothing with Scripture verses and faith-based slogans, turning the city center into a moving celebration of Christian belief.
Organizers stressed that the event was intended solely as a proclamation of faith, requesting participants not to bring national or political flags. “The March for Jesus is about lifting up one name the name of Christ above all others,” said one of the rally coordinators.
The Belfast march forms part of a global movement that began in London in 1987. It has since spread worldwide, with notable milestones including its launch in France in 1991, the United States in 1992, and Brazil in 1993. The scale of the movement has at times been extraordinary most memorably in 2019, when an estimated three million believers filled the streets of São Paulo in one of the largest Christian gatherings of its kind.
For many in Belfast, the march was not just an expression of faith but also a symbol of hope and unity. “It’s powerful to see Christians standing together in public, across traditions, to declare the same truth,” said a participant.
As the march concluded at City Hall, participants joined in collective prayer and worship, leaving behind a strong public reminder of the enduring role of faith in the life of the city.