“Traslacion draws 6 million devotees after 3-year hiatus \n\n\n”

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)—  The number of devotees participating in the Feast of the Black Nazarene reached more than six million, as the tradition returned after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The image of the Black Nazarene left the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park around 4:45 a.m. on Tuesday and reached the Quiapo Church after nearly 15 hours at 7:44 p.m., making it the shortest Traslacion or grand procession recorded in the recent years.

The previous record was in 2016 when the procession took around 16 hours due to an early start and shorter route. But the procession in 2012 remains the longest in history after the image of the Black Nazarene took 22 hours to arrive at the church.

Based on the accumulative count from midnight to 8 p.m., the Quiapo Church said 6.1 million devotees took part in the festivities, with more than 3 million joining the procession.

But based on Philippine National Police’s estimates, PCol. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson, said around 3.3 million devotees participated in the highly anticipated event.

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Before the procession, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr. presided over the Misa Mayor, the midnight mass, followed by the continuation of the vigil.

Light showers in Quiapo in the early morning turned roads muddy and greasy, but many continued to go on barefoot to show their devotion.

Devotees interviewed by CNN Philippines described the rains as a \” blessing\” and that their worship continued despite the weather.
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\”Super overwhelmed, kanina nga di ko alam biglang tumulo luha ko siguro sa sobrang saya, sa sobrang sabik no’ng nailabas na ulit ýong Poong Hesus Nazareno,\” Rizza Batarina, 35, of Cavite, told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: I was super overwhelmed. Earlier, I didn’t know I shed a tear, maybe because of too much joy, too much excitement that the image of the Black Nazarene was let out for the Traslacion.]

The Manila government warned of light to moderate rainfall at 2 p.m. that may last up to two hours, as people anticipate the return of the venerated image to its home Quiapo Church.

Defying prohibition, Filipino Catholics climbed onto the andas or carriage during the Traslacion for a chance to touch the glass-encased Black Nazarene. Honor guards called Hijos del Nazareno tried to control the devotees to protect the relic.

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WATCH: 12:22 p.m situation of the Traslacion at Arlegui St. as the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene tries to make a turn to its next destination. #Nazareno2024 | @JeloMantaring pic.twitter.com/z5rFZXNjOF

— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) January 9, 2024