Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — In the Philippines, January marks an important time for devout Catholics: the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Preparations are now underway for the annual procession on January 9.
Devotees will walk barefoot as the life-size image of Jesus Christ carrying a cross is paraded along Manila.
Participants of the parade often try to touch Jesus’ image, which is believed to be miraculous, with white towels or with their hands.
The theme of this year’s event is based on a Bible verse from the book of Corinthians: “Pag-ibig and buklod ng ganap na pagkakaisa” [Love binds us in the fullness of unity.].
The administration of Quiapo Church on Monday said 18 million devotees will flood the streets of Manila during the Traslacion or Nazareno feast.
Security is expected to be tighter this time, given the projected number of participants amid possible terror threats.
Devotees are advised against bringing along their children or elderly and sick relatives. But if this situation is unavoidable, children must wear an ID for easy identification should they get lost in the crowd.
Saying devotees should be able to express their faith in or out of the procession, Church officials are also planning to livestream the event on Facebook.
CNN Philippines correspondent Rex Remitio contributed to this report.
