The Ecumenical pilgrimage, believed to have been first performed in Ballarat about 50 years ago, recreates the trials of Jesus Christ as he walked to Mount Calvary in Jerusalem.

For many, it's a family tradition.

Vaanesa Elangoban said she'd been doing it for as long as she could remember.

"It's an annual tradition for us, just being with our community and the Catholic community," she said.

"Families travel from everywhere, it's good to walk with the family."

Along the way, the pilgrims stop for hymns and to hear the story of Christ's walk, including his falls on the way, and his eventual death, burial, and resurrection.

It's a visible display of faith, according to coordinator Tony Beggs - he's been running the event for about 20 years.

"We might have to take off without sound today, but people will still enjoy the walk, it's a statement of belonging to the Christian church," he said.

"Sometimes the crowd is amazing, and if you do the walk today, you notice the people just come out of the houses and the crowd swells as we get towards Black Hill."

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