Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared Monday, Jan. 9 a special non-working day in the City of Manila.
The day marks the Feast of the Black Nazarene and the annual procession known as the Traslación.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” read Proclamation No. 120 that was released by the palace on Friday.
The City Government of Manila earlier suspended classes and government work on Jan. 9 in observance of the feast.
The Traslación that is usually attended by over a million devotees has been suspended for the third year in a row due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
However, thousands of devotees are still expected to attend masses at the Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand, as well as take part in the first-ever Walk of Faith.
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