Intramuros ready for Holy Week rites; traffic rerouting in effect

This is the traffic rerouting and parking advisory issued by the Intramuros Administration to manage the surge of crowds taking part in the Holy Week’s Visita Iglesia. (Photo release from the Department of Tourism)

MANILA — The Department of Tourism has issued a traffic and parking advisory in Intramuros, Manila, in anticipation of thousands of Catholic devotees who will flock to the Walled City to participate in Holy Week-related activities.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo has instructed Intramuros Administrator (IA) Guiller Asido to keep the foot and vehicular traffic inside the historic fortress orderly throughout the Holy Week commemoration.

“The season of Lent draws not only a large number of pilgrims but also tourists and travelers alike. The DOT assures the public that Intramuros will be more than ready to welcome everyone during the Holy Week regardless of their denomination,” Teo said in a statement.

Asido said the rerouting scheme has been put in place starting 6 a.m. on Maundy Thursday (Apr. 13).

The IA has advised the public that General Luna Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Postigo to Sta. Potenciana Streets.

Motorists and commuters may use Cabildo Street, Magallanes Drive, Muralla Street, and Andres Soriano Drive as alternate routes.

The Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church are popular destinations for Catholic devotees going on the traditional “visita iglesia” or church visitations during the Holy Week break.

On Good Friday, the Manila Cathedral will also be the last stop of the Stations of the Cross, dubbed “Penitential Walk for Life”, which was organized by the Archdiocese and will start at Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate at 4:30 a.m..

The rerouting scheme will be lifted on the midnight of Black Saturday, April 15.

Asido said pilgrims coming to Intramuros with their vehicles could park at designated areas in Andres Soriano and Magallanes, which will be open for parking on both sides.

Some portions of Sto. Tomas, Beaterio, Anda, Real, Sta. Potenciana, Arzobispo, Solana, and Sta. Lucia Streets will be one side parking only.

Enclosed parking is located at Maestranza, Fort Santiago, and Postigo, while buses are directed to park at Bonifacio Drive.  SFM/rga