Thousands of faithful gathered in Little Italy on a cold and grey Friday afternoon to observe the 45th annual Good Friday procession commemorating Jesus Christ's suffering ahead of his crucifixion.
The tradition is a solemn ritual that features the characters of the Passion of Jesus and the re-enactment of his final days.
The ritual is an important event for Christians in cities and towns around the world.
"For us it's an expression of who we are as a community and also ultimately to pass on a message, which is the message of love and sacrifice," Fr. Raymond Falzon said in Toronto.
The local procession began at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Grace Street, then continued along Dundas Street, Montrose Avenue and Church Street before looping around and ending at the church.
Jesus was portrayed by Giuseppe Rauti, who has played the role 39 out of the past 45 years.
Rauti said the event has grown considerably since the first procession in 1968.
"We had a smaller cross and we would go around the route in 10 minutes, then come back to the church," he said.
Volunteers have spent months preparing for the procession, a traditionally Italian event now seen by a larger audience.
"It's gotten bigger and bigger and bigger every year," said one female volunteer.
Foe Fragale observed the procession since he was a child and has volunteered for the past four years.
"We suffer for an hour-and-a-half, but after that I feel like all my sins are clean," he said.
Christians now prepare for Sunday when they celebrate Easter, the day they believe Jesus rose from the dead.
With a report from CTV's Alex Mihailovich
