Fiesta Masses begin in lead up to Traslacion 2025

INITIAL RITES Jesus Nazareno devotees have started flocking to Quiapo Church in Manila to have their icons—and themselves—blessed ahead of the annual mammoth procession known as “traslacion” on Jan. 9, where about 14,000 police officers are being mobilized for security. Photo taken on January 3, 2025. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Fiesta Masses have begun at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church in Manila.

Fiesta Masses are special religious services or masses celebrated in honor of a patron saint during local fiestas.

It commenced at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will continue hourly through to Thursday, coinciding with the Traslacion, the traditional grand procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

READ: Quiapo Church releases schedule for Nazareno 2025 activities

This year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno marks its first celebration as a “national feast.”

READ: Nazareno 2025 to be celebrated nationwide in ‘historic’ first

Thousands are currently lined up at the Quirino Grandstand a few kilometers away from Quiapo for the “pahalik,” the religious activity of kissing or touching Jesus Nazareno’s image.

READ: Crowds build up for ‘Pahalik’ on the eve of Nazarene procession

At midnight on Thursday, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula Jr. will preside over the Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand. This will be followed by the Panalangin sa Bukang-liwayway (Prayer at Dawn), after which will be the Traslacion.

READ: Nazarene feast: What devotees need to know for Traslacion 2025

Over six million devotees flocked to the streets of and around Quiapo during the procession last year in the hopes of seeing the image of Jesus Nazareno, which many believe to have miraculous powers.