The annual Portuguese Santo Cristo procession is set to take place later this afternoon in Montreal, despite an earlier refusal of the permit by local authorities. Emanuel Linhares, a member of the organizing group, stated that they initiated the permit application process on February 12, but received the refusal only ten days before the scheduled event. The Plateau-Mont-Royal borough purportedly referenced Quebec's new law on public prayer as the reason for the denial, despite the fact that the procession is a silent march devoid of any prayers or religious chants.

In a twist of events, Linhares mentioned that Montreal police confirmed on the previous Wednesday that the procession could proceed regardless of the borough's refusal. The police will be present to ensure security during the event, expected to attract approximately 2,000 participants from various regions across Canada and the United States.

According to Linhares, the organizers express a desire for a cohesive and uniform approach from the city regarding future cultural and religious processions. Currently, they face inconsistencies in the rules as interpretations of the laws vary across different areas in Montreal. This lack of clarity creates challenges for organizers and can affect the execution of similar events.

The Santo Cristo procession is set to commence from Mission Santa Cruz Catholic Church, located on Rachel Street. The route will navigate through the Plateau area before returning to the church, embodying a cultural and religious tradition that is significant to the Portuguese community in the city.

This announcement represents the resilience of the organizers and the community's commitment to maintaining their cultural practices, despite the regulatory hurdles they face. The event serves not only as a religious observance but also as a gathering for individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their heritage collectively.