“Hijos” stand beside the replica — the “callejeron” — of the famous Black Nazarene that was brought out on the back of a truck from Quiapo Church on Friday, Jan. 8, 2020. The Hijos – Spanish for “sons” — are a group of men who swore to protect the religious icon. (File photo by FROILAN GALLARDO)
Update @ 1:38 a.m., Jan. 10, 2023
MANILA, Philippines — Over half a million devotees gathered at Quiapo Church for the Black Nazarene on Monday night for Nazareno 2023.
According to the Quiapo Church Operation Center, an estimated 579,000 devotees were recorded to have participated in the celebration from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, 122,710 devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand within the same period, which had already closed following the end of the scheduled masses.
The operation center also reported 14 medical cases in this period, of which two were due to headaches or dizziness and 12 were due to hypertension.
At least 88,000 participated in the procession for the Black Nazarene “Walk of Faith,” which stretched from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.
The Manila Police District earlier said that it expected five million people to gather for the celebration.
Nazareno 2023 kicked off on Dec. 31, 2022, and will culminate today, Jan. 9.