By Fr. Johnston Mlambo
VATICAN CITY – More than 13,000 participants from over 90 countries are expected in Rome this weekend for the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, a global celebration of music and cultural expression to be held on 10 and 11 May 2025.
The event, part of the Holy Year festivities, is organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization’s Section for Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World.
According to a press release issued by the Dicastery, the jubilee is
“dedicated to military, institutional, amateur, folk, village, sports, school and college bands, as well as all categories related to popular entertainment around the world.”
Participants will come not only from Italy but also from countries including the United States, Malta, Spain, France, Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The celebrations will begin on Saturday, 10 May, with pilgrimages to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Later that afternoon, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., over 100 bands will perform in 31 squares across central Rome in what the organizers described as “a large band event” that is free to the public.
Performance details can be accessed on the official Jubilee website and the Iubilaeum25 mobile app.
The spiritual highlight of the weekend will take place on Sunday, 11 May, in Piazza Cavour, where Holy Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by H.E. Mons.
Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect for the Section of New Evangelization.
“Entry to the Square will be possible starting at 8:00 and the celebration does not require any type of ticket,” the press release noted.
Following the Mass, participants will proceed in a musical pilgrimage procession to St. Peter’s Square, donning their traditional uniforms and performing freely chosen pieces along the route.
“During the route, the participating bands will perform with freely chosen pieces, marching in pilgrimage towards the square,” the statement read.
The Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment underscores the inclusive and celebratory spirit of Jubilee 2025, bringing together diverse cultures and traditions in harmony with the Church’s global mission.