Easter Sunday in San Francisco looked a little different this year, and honestly, we’re here for it. Thousands of people packed into the northern half of Dolores Park to witness what has become one of the Bay Area’s most gloriously irreverent traditions: the annual Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary contests.

What started as a small, mostly LGBTQ gathering hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence has exploded into a massive celebration that draws people from all over the city. And this year’s event proved why this contest has become such an iconic part of our regional culture. The energy was electric, the crowd was diverse, and the costumes? Absolutely unhinged in the best way possible.

Hosted by legendary drag performer Peaches Christ and Sister Roma, the 2026 competition featured some truly creative entries. We’re talking Cheezits Christ (complete with a cross made from actual Cheez-Its boxes), Oil on Canvas Jesus, Elvis Jesus, Fitness Jesus, Trans Jesus, Aunt Gladys Jesus, Palestinian Balloon Jesus, and, our personal favorite, a Cow Jesus whose udders dispensed cocktails. Like, how do people come up with this stuff?

But let’s talk about the winner because he absolutely deserved it. Miguel Velez took home the title with his Renewable Energy Jesus costume, featuring a crown of solar panels and a windmill staff. It’s the kind of creative, politically conscious choice that feels uniquely Bay Area. This isn’t just about showing off your abs (though that’s definitely part of the appeal). This is about combining humor, social commentary, and pure theatrical chaos into one glorious Easter Sunday celebration.

The fact that a costume celebrating renewable energy and climate action won at a major San Francisco event says something about who we are as a community. We’re irreverent, sure. We’re willing to mock everything, including sacred figures, in the name of art and humor. But we’re also thinking about the future, about sustainability, about building something better.

Dolores Park was absolutely packed, with blankets and bodies stretched across the grass as far as you could see. The sun was out, the vibes were immaculate, and everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives. This is what makes San Francisco special: we have the freedom and the cultural space to celebrate our weirdness openly, without apology.

If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next Easter Sunday. The Hunky Jesus Contest isn’t just an event, it’s a statement about who we are and what we value. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.