Thousands of Catholic devotees flocked to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo on Friday to attend the First Friday Mass of 2026, marking the official start of activities for the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.
Despite the early hours, large crowds filled the church grounds, with many worshippers forced to stay outside due to limited space inside the basilica. Volunteers from the Hijos del Nazareno guided devotees and helped maintain order amid the heavy turnout.
Authorities temporarily closed entrances along Quezon Boulevard and Carriedo Street to manage the flow of people, designating Villalobos Street as the sole entry point. No priority lanes were provided for senior citizens and persons with disabilities due to the volume of attendees.
The Manila Police District deployed additional personnel to ensure public safety and crowd control. Police also reminded devotees to stay alert and secure their belongings following reports of pickpocketing incidents while people were lining up to enter the church.
The First Friday Mass officially opens the series of religious activities leading to the annual Traslacion on January 9, one of the country’s largest religious processions. Among the scheduled activities is the blessing of Nazarene replicas at Plaza Miranda.
This year’s observance carries the theme “Dapat Siyang Tumaas at Ako Nama’y Bumaba” (John 3:30), as devotees continue to express faith and devotion to the Black Nazarene in the days leading up to the feast.
