King’s Square at St George was packed yesterday as large numbers gathered to witness a ceremony that marked the re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The 42nd edition of the annual Walk to Calvary resulted in droves of people walking through the streets of the Olde Towne to witness scenes portraying Christ’s final journey on earth.

After a worship event at the Ebenezer Methodist Church on York Street, the walk commenced with a passionate prayer for world peace from the Reverend Samuel Green Sr, Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s First District.

Shortly after 10.30am, the Reverend Cyril Simmons, of Ebenezer Methodist Church in St George's, who played the role of Jesus, emerged with other characters acting as his disciples.

The procession, led by The Salvation Army band, then moved off along York Street, through Queen Street to Richard Allen AME Church and on to Church Folly Lane then onward to the Unfinished Church.

While there, a major scene was re-enacted depicting Christ’s arrest by the Roman soldiers.

Hundreds of attendees gathered on the lawns of the church, including Kathleen Zavotsky, who was visiting the island from New Jersey.

She said she heard about the event when she arrived in Bermuda several days ago and that she and her daughter were excited to attend.

“I wasn’t at the service when it started but we planned it so that we can come here at the Unfinished Church so that we can see,” Ms Zavotsky said.

She added: “I have never seen a live re-enactment of the crucifixion … I don’t know if I’m prepared mentally to see the scenes.

“I’m getting tear-eyed already … I’m emotional now but the whole meaning of it is very important to us as Christians.

“Jesus died for our sins and I’m hoping to see what happens here today.”

Another major scene took place at Somers Garden and for some in the crowd, it was among many that brought the story to life.

They included Vladek Perusevich, a scientist from Canada, who said it was his first time attending the event.

Mr Perusevich, who works in St George, said: “It’s a really great event … I walked all the way with the procession from the start and it was really nice especially for St George because it is the Old Towne.

“It gives this type of feeling of when things happened back in time … the place, I mean it brings the nature and surroundings to life.”

Nicholas Darcueil, a mental health specialist, said the event was an “incredible opportunity” for people to engage in Easter celebrations and to relive biblical experiences of centuries ago.

Mr Darcueil, a founder of Dignity House, was among many who jostled to get a glimpse of a major scene of the event at King’s Square.

He said many of the facility’s clients attended for the first time.

The character of Christ was led to Ordinance Island for two final scenes before the re-enactment ended.

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