MANILA – Organizers of the Feast of the Black Nazarene have called on devotees to strictly follow the guidelines set for all activities leading up to the annual procession, known as the Traslacion, on January 9.
Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr., rector of Quiapo Church, emphasized the importance of adhering to these rules to ensure a safe, smooth, and organized celebration of Nazareno 2025. He reminded attendees that faith is not only about devotion but also about obedience to the rules designed for their safety and the sanctity of the event.
“We ask our devotees to understand that expressing their faith is not just about participating, but also about following the guidelines that help maintain order and safety. This is part of returning to the original devotion where the Jesus Nazareno remains the central focus of our prayers,” Fr. Sescon said in a press conference on Monday.
Pahalik and Traslacion Guidelines
Alex Irasga, adviser to Nazareno 2025, shared details about the traditional pahalik, or veneration of the image, which will begin at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park at midnight on January 7. This activity will continue through the night, running until January 9, even after the Traslacion begins.
“The line for the pahalik will follow its usual route along Roxas Boulevard through Kalaw Extension, with personnel from the MMDA assisting in crowd control,” Irasga said. Devotees are encouraged to sanitize their hands and wipe the image but are discouraged from kissing the statue for health and safety reasons.
Allowed and Prohibited Items During the Traslacion
For those joining the Traslacion procession, certain items will be allowed to ensure the smooth conduct of the event:
Small, single-hand replicas of the Nazareno
Transparent raincoats or ponchos
Shoes, slippers, small cameras, portable chairs, wheelchairs, small flashlights, and small candles
Clear plastic bags for waste disposal
However, there are strict prohibitions in place to maintain the safety and sanctity of the procession:
Climbing onto the andas (carriage) carrying the image
Blocking the procession route or pulling the ropes attached to the andas
Carrying medium to large religious images, banners, pyrotechnics, deadly weapons, drone cameras, or selfie sticks
Bringing in large bags, blankets, portable appliances, LPG cylinders, stoves, tents, umbrellas, or alcohol
Smoking or vaping, carrying laser pointers, heavy meals, pets, and food sticks
Using metal objects, scooters, skates, bicycles, and large bottles
Authorities have urged all participants to cooperate and be vigilant about safety measures to ensure that the celebration of Nazareno 2025 remains peaceful and meaningful for everyone.
elamigo/mnm
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially declared January 9 (Tuesday) as a special non-working holiday in Manila in conjunction with the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In a proclamation signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, it was stated, “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given a full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.”
The City of Manila is set to observe the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, and preparations are underway to ensure a safe and secure celebration.
A deployment of 15,200 police personnel will be in place during the feast to safeguard the devotees participating in the mass and procession.
Preemptively addressing potential safety concerns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also said certain areas along the route of Traslacion 2024 in Manila will be designated as “no-fly zones” for drones.
(El Amigo/MNM)