Nazarene feast: What devotees need to know for Traslacion 2025

PRELUDE TO ‘TRASLACION’ Devotees of the Black Nazarene bring replicas of the revered image to Quiapo Church in Manila to be blessed. The gathering may be considered a preview of the bigger annual procession known as “traslacion,’’ which will be  on Jan. 9. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Millions of devotees are once again expected to flock to Manila next Thursday, Jan. 9, for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Nazareno 2025 is themed “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog (1 Sam. 15:22) sa mga umaasa kay Jesus.”

(It is better to obey than to sacrifice for those who hope in Jesus. 1 Sam. 15:22.)

READ: Nazareno 2025 to be celebrated nationwide in ‘historic’ first

Here is what devotees should know going into the festivities:

Schedule of activities

Quiapo Church released the schedule of Nazareno 2025 activities on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

READ: Quiapo Church releases schedule for Nazareno 2025 activities

Novena masses began on Tuesday, Dec. 31 and are set to end on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

The “Pahalik” or the kissing of the image of the Black Nazarene is slated to start Monday evening, Jan. 6, after the Mass for the Volunteers.

At midnight on Thursday, Jan. 9, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula will offer a Holy Mass to be followed by a continuation of the vigil in the Panalangin sa Bukang-liwayway (Prayer at Dawn).

Traslacion route

Traslacion 2025, or the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene, will maintain the route from the previous year.

This year’s path takes the following streets:

• 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 Concepcion 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 Street through under Quezon Bridge
• Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda
• Quiapo Church

Feast organizers said 12 prayers stations were set up along the procession route.

Quiapo Church advisor Alex Irasga told reporters Friday that the route stretched a total length of 5.8 kilometers, passing through three plazas and parks; one underpass; six bridges; and 18 national and city roads.

READ: Nazareno 2025: Full deployment, gun ban, road closures on Jan. 8 – MPD

A total of over 14,000 police and military personnel as well as medical teams will be deployed for the celebration, with road closures, a gun ban and a liquor ban in effect in parts of Manila.

Do’s and don’ts

The church administrators also gave an advisory on what to do and what to avoid during the Nazareno 2025 festivities:

Do’s

• Eat plenty of food before the start of the Traslacion to ensure enough energy for the duration of the procession.
• Devotees may still throw their handkerchiefs to be wiped on the image of the Black Nazarene and pull the rope of the “andas,” the carriage carrying the statue, but it must be done in an orderly fashion and with utmost care.
• Maintain solemnity during the Holy Mass.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the Church and the Quirino Grandstand. Devotees are encouraged to take their litter and throw them in the appropriate bin.
• If needed, bring a transparent bag to make inspection easier.
• Children and devotees with sickness should stay on the side of the road for safety.

Don’ts

• Do not climb onto the “andas.”
• Do not push each other to prevent injuries.
• Avoid bringing many items or big bags.
• Avoid becoming the cause of trouble or distraction.
• Wearing hats and hoodies and bringing umbrellas are strictly prohibited.
• Do not set up camping tents, especially if planning to stay overnight.
• Avoid bringing tumblers. Bring transparent water bottles instead.