The journey of the andas, or carriage of the Jesus Nazareno image, starts at 4:41 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from the Quirino Grandstand. The massive procession will end at Quiapo Church, formally known as Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. INQUIRER.net / John Eric Mendoza
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has already catered to 119 patients who participated in activities related to the Feast of Jesus Nazareno in Manila.
In a report, the PRC said the tally covered January 6 until 5:20 a.m. on Thursday, January 9.
To aid devotees in need, the PRC dispatched 500 volunteers and staff for the Traslacion, the climax of religious activities for the annual feast.
The PRC said it would set up 17 first aid stations along the route of the Traslacion, a long procession that draws millions of believers every year.
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The journey of the andas, or carriage of the Jesus Nazareno image, started at 4:41 a.m. on Thursday from the Quirino Grandstand. The massive procession will end at Quiapo Church, formally known as Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.
The Nazareno Operation Center said at least 16,700 devotees gathered at Quiapo Church and 230,000 at the Quirino Grandstand as of 5 a.m. on Thursday.
Traslacion, which first took place between 1767 and 1787, commemorates the transfer of the centuries-old Jesus Nazareno image from Bagumbayan – the present Rizal Park – to Quiapo Church.
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The original image of Jesus Nazareno was used during the first processions, but it was partially destroyed in 1945 during the battle for Manila in the Second World War.
An unknown sculptor made the original image from mesquite wood. It was brought from Mexico to Manila on May 31, 1606.
The Jesus Nazareno image is believed to have miraculous powers, and believers join the procession for a chance to touch the statue or even just the rope that pulls its carriage to seek blessing, protection, and good health.