Metro Manila, Philippines – Hundreds of thousands of devotees have begun their trek from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila on Friday, Jan. 9, marking the start of Traslacion, the annual procession of the centuries-old image of Jesus Nazarene.
The procession began at 3:58 a.m.
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated that over 210,000 devotees have joined the religious festival as of 8 a.m., as the “andas” or carriage bearing the image of Jesus Nazareno traverses Ayala Boulevard.
In 2025, the image left the Quirino Grandstand at 4:41 a.m. and returned to the Quiapo Church at 1:26 a.m. the following day.
Balanga, Bataan Bishop Rufino C. Sescon Jr. led the Misa Mayor for the traditional feast at 12 a.m.
Organizers said the “andas” or the carriage bearing the image of Jesus Nazareno was modified for this year’s procession – now running on four wheels with steering and brakes.
The rear of the glass enclosure of the image is perforated to allow airflow and prevent fogging.
“Para na po itong owner-type jeepney. Meron under chassis, may preno, ang nawala lamang sa sasakyan ay yung makina…Sa gawing likuran, dati saradong saradong pinto, para na ho itong perforated metal plates,” Alex Irasga, Traslacion 2026 chief coordinator, said.
[Translation: This is already an owner-type jeepney. It has an underchassis and brakes; the only thing missing from the vehicle is the engine. At the rear, it used to have a completely closed door, but now it’s made of perforated metal plates.]
Just like in previous years, devotees are discouraged from climbing the andas or the carriage of the image.
There will be minor road closure adjustments to be carried out along Roxas Blvd., Padre Burgos, Ayala Bridge, and nearby streets until the procession passes, organizers said.
The Philippine National Police deployed at least 18,000 personnel for security.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has 1,000 personnel on the field to help with safety, traffic measures, and cleanliness.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ordered a liquor ban on Friday, while the city-wide gun ban is in effect until Saturday, Jan. 10.
Government work and classes have also been suspended. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Jan. 9 as a special non-working holiday in Manila for the celebration of the annual feast.
The Department of Health has raised the Code White alert from Jan. 6-10, and has deployed 200 personnel across 20 emergency response stations.
Twenty DOH hospitals are also standby to attend to urgent medical needs.
Devotees are advised to avoid large bags, sharp objects, bottles, and flammable items, and to follow marshals’ instructions.
