Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — The Traslación, or the procession of the Black Nazarene, 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 during the first-ever Walk of Faith.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at this year’s celebration:
No traditional ‘Pahalik’
The vicario, or the image of the Black Nazarene used for the Traslacion, will not be leaving Quiapo Church, where it is displayed six days before the Jan. 9 feast.
Instead, a duplicate of the Black Nazarene will be placed at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, where devotees will be able to touch, wipe, and see it up close from Jan. 7 to 9. It is strictly forbidden to kiss the image.
Quiapo Church officials assured health authorities that social distancing will be followed among the line of devotees. They will also be required to wear face masks and disinfect before and after paying homage to the Black Nazarene.
Physical masses, security
Regular masses will be held at Quiapo Church starting Jan. 6 until Jan. 9.
On Jan. 7, masses will be held at the Quirino Grandstand at 12 a.m. and 6 a.m, while there will be midnight masses on Jan. 8 and 9.
To ensure devotees’ safety, the Manila Police District said around 5,000 police personnel will be deployed at the Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church.
Walk of Faith
Before the pandemic, millions of devotees joined the annual procession of bringing back the Black Nazarene’s image from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
This year, Quiapo Church officials are holding a Walk of Faith, where devotees will head to Plaza Miranda using the route of the Traslacion but without any life-size image of the Black Nazarene, as bringing replicas taller than two feet is strictly prohibited.
The procession will pass through Katigbak Road, Padre Burgos Street, Jones Bridge, Dasmariñas Street, Sta. Cruz, Palanca Street, Quezon Blvd., Arlegui Street, P. Casal Street, Concepcion Street, Carcer Street, Hidalgo Street, Bilibid Viejo/G. Puyat Street, Guzman Street, Hidalgo Street, Quezon Blvd., Palanca Street, and Villalobos Street.
The Walk of Faith is expected to begin at 1:30 a.m. after the midnight mass on Jan. 8 at the Quirino Grandstand.
Strict adherence to safety protocols
Devotees attending the physical masses and the Walk of Faith are urged to wear their face masks, follow proper social distancing, and bring disinfectants at all times.
“You should remember na kapag [in] crowded places, hindi optional ang pagsuot ng face mask [wearing of face masks is not optional]. It’s a must. So since ina-anticipate natin na maraming debotong darating, gusto namin lahat naka-face mask [So since we anticipate that many devotees will come, we want everyone to wear face masks],” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said.
Among prohibited items to bring are umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, plastic and glass bottles, pets, heavy meals, jackets, picnic items, selfie sticks, large bags, firearms, and drone cameras.
A liquor ban will also be implemented from Jan. 6 to 9.
Road closures
Beginning Jan. 6, several roads in Manila will be closed to traffic for the Feast of the Nazarene celebration, according to the Manila Public Information Office.
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Better plan your trips ahead of time! 🚦
The Manila Public Information Office announces that several roads will be closed starting Jan. 6 to make way for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
📸 Manila Public Information Office/ Facebook pic.twitter.com/tZYWQy92pf
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) January 3, 2023
