Manila suspends work, classes on Jan. 9 for Black Nazarene feast

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna. FILE PHOTO / Manila Public Information Office

MANILA, Philippines — Manila suspended work in the local government and classes in the city on January 9, Monday, in light of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

On Wednesday, the office of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna released Executive Order No. 1, declaring the suspension of classes at all levels and local government work in the City of Manila in connection with the celebration.

“In order not to unduly crowd the city for purposes not specific to 09 January 2023 religious activities for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, it is essential that work in the city government offices be suspended,” the executive order stated.

“For the same reason, and in order to give the parents and students of city schools the time to participate in the religious activities for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, it is fitting that classes in all public and private schools whether in-person or online be suspended as well,” it further said.

Meanwhile, Lacuna’s office also promulgated Wednesday Executive Order No. 2 to impose a liquor ban in the city from January 7 to January 9.

According to the order, prohibition is necessary “in order to promote peace and order” during the celebration.

For the third consecutive time, the Traslacion has been canceled. It was first canceled in 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country.

The annual procession is a reenactment of the 1787 Traslacion — literally means “solemn transfer” — of the image from its original shrine in Bagumbayan, the present Rizal Park, to the Quiapo Church.

But other activities for the Black Nazarene will now resume, such as the hourly celebration of the Holy Mass at the Quiapo Church and the mass at the Quirino Grandstand headed by the Archdiocese of Manila, according to Fr. Earl Valdez, attached priest of Quiapo Church.

Also, instead of the traditional “Pahalik,” devotees can just approach and touch the image of the Black Nazarene, Valdez also said.

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