Despite the cancelation of the traditional Traslacion for the Black Nazarene this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quiapo Church last year introduced an alternative way of celebrating the annual feast which is the "Walk of Faith."
From January 7 to 9, the image of the Black Nazarene will be on display at the Quirino Grandstand.
Four Masses will be held at the venue, the first on January 7 at 12:01 a.m., officiated by Fr. Hans Magdurolang will officiate at 6 AM for volunteers, local government unit personnel, non-government organization (NGO) members, uniformed personnel, and members of the media.
Route
The “Walk of Faith" will be held after the 12-midnight mass on January 8, Sunday will start at the Quirino Grandstand, and will end in Quiapo Church. It will be presided over by Fr. Magdurolang.
The Walk of Faith will be followed by Rufino Sescon, Jr., rector of Quiapo Church while the Fiesta Mass will be led by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at midnight on January 9.
And while the procession is similar to the usual Traslacion, the Quiapo Church said there will be no images or replicas of the Black Nazarene that will be paraded during the celebration. Organizers, however, assured that the Walk of Faith will still have prayer, songs, and meditation.
On Tuesday, January 3, the Quiapo Church released the list of areas where the Walk of Faith will pass:
- Grandstand/Parade Grounds
- Katigbak Road
- Padre Burgos Street
- Jones Bridge
- Dasmariñas Street
- Sta. Cruz
- Palanca Street
- Quezon Blvd.
- Arlegui Street
- P. Casal Street
- Concepcion Street
- Carcer Street
- Hidalgo Street
- Bilibid Viejo/ G. Puyat Street
- Guzman Street
- Hidalgo Street
- Quezon Blvd.
- Palanca Street
- Villalobos Street
- Quiapo Church
During a media conference, Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said over 5,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure safe and peaceful conduct of the activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The MPD is expecting millions of devotees of the Black Nazarene to join the Walk of Faith.
Prohibited items
As the country is still in a pandemic, the Quiapo Church encouraged participants to observe health protocols such as the wearing of face masks, frequent sanitizing of hands, and social distancing.
The organizers also advised devotees who will participate to bring government-issued IDs in case of emergency.
Those who are sick — including those who have a body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius and blood pressure higher than 130/80 as well as people with a sore throat, continuous sneezing, coughs, colds, and loose bowel movement — are discouraged from attending the activities.
The Quiapo Church, likewise, said the following items are prohibited during the activity:
- medium to life-size Nazareno images
- istandarte or banners
- carriage or andas
- firearms and deadly weapons
- pyrotechnic devices
- drone cameras
- professional cameras and video recorders
- selfie sticks
- large bags
- blankets, hampers, storage boxes
- portable appliances
- LPG and stoves
- tents, tables, and other picnic items
- umbrellas
- alcoholic beverages
- smoking and vaping
- laser pointers, large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects
- scooters, skateboards, skates
- vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles
- heavy meals
- plastic and glass bottles
- food sticks
- pets
- black plastics
- jackets
It added that only authorized people are allowed to have command and emergency vehicles, a sound system and bullhorn, UHF/VHF radio, satellite phones, tents, LED billboards, and meals for volunteers during the festivities.
The Quiapo Church also prohibited participants to kiss the images of the Black Nazarene to avoid the possible spread of COVID-19.
Work and class cancelation in Manila
Following the celebration, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna announced the suspension of both work and classes in the city on January 9.
She also declared an alcohol ban for three days, from January 7 to January 9 for three days, stating that the EO could be issued "within the day."
