Traslacion 2018 slightly changes route to ensure safety – organizers

The new route for the Procession of the Black Nazarene or Traslacion 2018. (INQUIRER.net/FAYE ORELLANA)

The route for the Traslacion 2018 was slightly changed due to safety considerations, veering away from crossing the Lagusnilad Bridge, which organizers said, poses “double threat” to the occasion.

Alex Irasga Sr., head of the Traslacion 2018 technical working committee, said in a press briefing on Wednesday that the procession of the Black Nazarene would now have to negotiate Katigbak Drive towards the westbound lane of Padre Burgos.

“Sa kaliwa na dadaan kasi ang Lagusnilad, mas doble ang threat,” Irasga said.

He also said that the procession would no longer go above the cloverleaf near the Liwasang Bonifacio to allow easier maneuvering of the Black Nazarene’s carriage towards Jones Bridge and Santa Cruz area.

On January 9, Traslacion 2018 is expected to commence and leave the Luneta Grandstand by 6 a.m., and hopes to bring back the image of the Black Nazarene at Quiapo Church 12 hours after.

Millions of devotees of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno pledge to participate in the annual procession, which starts from the Quirino Grandstand and ends in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church; and sometimes lasts even up to 24 hours. The believers join the yearly traslacion hoping for miracles or thanking the heavens for granted prayers and petitions.                          /kga