Black Nazarene Traslacion 2024: What you need to know about its return
The Quiapo Church is eyeing to have its annual procession celebrating the Feast of the Black Nazarene return in 2024 after three years of suspension, with added protection to the sacred statue.
Every January 9, Manila erupts in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The image makes its way along the streets of Quiapo while millions of Filipino devotees attend the procession. It is then placed on display at the Quirino Grandstand before returning to the Quiapo Church.
The event was canceled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will be making a return in 2024.
Glass case
In an interview on dzBB’s Super Radyo, Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Hans Magdurulang said that, unlike previous processions, they will be encasing the image of the Black Nazarene in a glass case. He emphasized, however, that this was previously a traditional practice of the church.
"Kung babalikan natin, may mga larawan din 'yan. Kung tatanungin natin 'yung mga senior devotees natin, maalala nila na noon po isinasagawa natin ang prusisyon ng Nazareno na nakikita ng maraming tao at 'yung Nazareno lang ang nasa ibabaw," he said.
"'Yung salamin, 'yun po ay isa sa mga magiging tulong natin para mapanatili natin ang imahen lamang ang makikita ng mga tao, ng mga deboto doon sa ibabaw ng Andas," he added.
In a statement on Super Radyo, Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Jesus Madrid Jr. explained that the decision to reinstate the glass case was made to prevent the 400-year-old image from being damaged by devotees who climbed up the carriage in an attempt to touch it.
"Ang gusto kasi nating maiwasan ay 'yung aakyat 'yung mga tao, magsasampahan sa Andas na ang nangyayari ay natatapakan na 'yung ating mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno," Madrid said.
"Kasi ang tendency kapag magsasampahan talagang maaapakan 'yung mga tao, magkakaroon ng tulakan, talagang magkakasakitan. Gusto kasi nating iwasan ay 'yung madumog talaga at masira din 'yung ating imahen na Poong Hesus Nazareno," he added.
According to him, there were almost 22 million devotees who attended the previous procession, and the church is expecting that the upcoming one will meet the same number or more.
Even encased in glass, the Black Nazarene will still have a portion of its cross exposed for those who wish to touch it.
Activities
The celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene will begin with a Thanksgiving Procession on Dec. 30 at 11:30 p.m. followed by a series of Misa Novena in honor of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno from Dec. 31 to Jan. 8 at the Quiapo Church.
Several activities are also scheduled at the Quirino Grandstand, starting with a mass at 6 p.m. and the opening of "Pahalik" on Jan. 6. On Jan. 8, there will be a vigil and program at 6 p.m. And on the day itself, Jan. 9, Archbishop of Manila Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr. will lead the misa mayor at midnight.
Traslacion route and schedule
The church has yet to release the time for the Traslacion, but it will take the following route:
- Quirino Grandstand
- Right to Katigbak Drive (left side)
- Right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road
- Straight to Ayala Bridge
- Left to Palanca Street
- Right to Quezon Boulevard
- Right to Arlegui Street
- Right to Fraternal Street
- Right to Vergara Street
- Left to Duque de Alba Street
- Left to Castillejos Street
- Left to Farnecio Street
- Right to Arlegui Street
- Left to Nepomuceno Street
- Left to Conception Aguila Street
- Right to Carcer Street
- Right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen
- Left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat
- Left to J.P. de Guzman Street
- Right to Hidalgo Street
- Left to Quezon Boulevard
- Right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge
- Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda
- Quiapo Church
The event will also be live-streamed via the Quiapo Church YouTube channel for those who would want to witness the procession in their homes.