LOOK: Millions of devotees flock to Traslacion 2018

Black Nazarene surrounded by kids - 9 Jan 2018

Children ride the carriage carrying the image of the Black Nazarane from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (Photo by AARON PAGUIRIGAN / Contributor)

Millions of barefoot devotees filled the streets of Manila on Tuesday to join the annual Traslacion, or the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Quiapo Church.

The icon is a life-sized blackened image of a kneeling Jesus Christ housed in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or more commonly known as Quiapo Church.

According to the Plaza Miranda Police Community Precinct, an estimate of 4.55 million devotees flocked to Quiapo. 2.6 million of the devotees joined the procession with hopes of being able to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.

The procession kicked off at 5:07 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand as the Andas, or the carriage of the icon, left for Quiapo Church.

Quiapo Church officials said they hoped the Traslacion would end after 12 hours, but as of posting, the Traslacion has yet to reach Quiapo.

As of 7:39 p.m., the Andas has reached Castillejos Street. /atm

Photo BY AARON PAGUIRIGAN / Contributor

Photo BY AARON PAGUIRIGAN / Contributor

Photo by FAYE ORELLANA / INQUIRER.net

Photo by BEATRICE YANGA /Contributor

Photo by AARON PAGUIRIGAN / Contributor

Photo by NOY MORCOSO /INQUIRER.net

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