Nazareno 2024: Live Updates for The Feast of Black Nazarene
Black Nazarene devotees began flocking to Quiapo Church in Manila on Wednesday, ahead of the Jan. 9 “Traslacion.” — MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — Certain acts should be avoided during the Traslacion procession on the Feast of the Black Nazarene, said the Quiapo Church on Thursday.
In a media conference, the Quiapo Church announced the following do’s and don’ts:
- Climbing onto the Black Nazarene’s “andas” is prohibited
- Avoid pushing to prevent any injuries
- Refrain from carrying numerous items or large bags. Use transparent bags for easier inspection
- For individuals with illnesses and children, stay on the side of the road for safety
- Don’t forget to eat for sufficient strength during the procession
- Use of handkerchief to wipe the beloved Lord Jesus Nazarene is still allowed
- Carrying the crossbeam and pulling the rope is still allowed, but do it carefully and with utmost caution
- Maintain the use of face masks and practice social distancing for those attending the Holy Mass
- Wearing hats, umbrellas, and hoodies is strictly prohibited
- Setting up camping tents, especially for those staying overnight, is not allowed
- Bringing tumblers is discouraged, instead use transparent water bottles
Probably the biggest change in this year’s Traslacion, compared to the previous processions, is the prohibition of climbing the Black Nazarene’s “andas” or the carriage carrying the statue.
In fact, the Quiapo Church even revealed a new design to the Nazareno “andas” with the statue itself enclosed in thick tempered glass.
“Ito po ay parang pinagsama natin iyong kinagisnan niyong andas, iyong ginagamit ng Penafrancia at Popemobile,” Nazareno 2024 adviser Alex Irasga said.
(This is as if we have combined the old andas we have been used to and the ones used by Penafrancia and Popemobile.)
Quiapo Church staff will also be stationed at the “andas” itself to stop people from climbing in.
Furthermore, devotees are also encouraged to practice minimum health protocols — such as wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distancing — amid rising cases of COVID-19 especially during masses.
Irasga said the Quiapo Church will try to maintain a limit of 750 individuals inside the basilica, and 3,000 individuals in the church’s outside grounds.
The annual Traslacion involves the transportation of the life-size image of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to the Quiapo Church.
This year’s Traslacion will mark the first Black Nazarene procession since being suspended three consecutive times due to COVID-19 restrictions.
With 2024’s route being similar to the last held Traslacion, it is expected that the entire procession will take at least 16 hours to finish.