The Traslacion is the annual procession of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, one of the most significant religious events in the country. This procession commemorates the transfer of the image of Jesus Nazareno from its original location to its present home at the Quiapo Church. Over the years, this event has grown into one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees.

Below are the significant historical events that have shaped the Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno.

1. Arrival of Jesus Nazareno in Manila (1606)

The story of Jesus Nazareno begins in 1606, when the image was brought to Manila by Spanish missionaries from Acapulco, Mexico. Made from dark wood, the image is believed to have been a gift from a Spanish ship captain who arrived in the Philippines. This marked the beginning of the devotion to Jesus Nazareno, which would later evolve into the massive religious observance it is today.

The first formal Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno took place on April 9, 1787, following the request of Manila's archbishop. The image was transferred from its original location at the Sto. Niño Church (now known as the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church) in Intramuros to its present home at the Quiapo Church. This move was prompted by the growing number of devotees who came to venerate the image. Over the years, the Traslación evolved into the grand procession that is now recognized as one of the largest religious events in the world.

3. The First Devotee-led Procession (1908)

In 1908, the devotion to Jesus Nazareno became increasingly led by the Filipino faithful. While the image had always attracted large crowds, it was in this year that the procession began to be seen as a more significant expression of popular faith. Filipino devotees began organizing the procession, which eventually grew into an annual event. The devotion gained momentum, and the first volunteer groups formed to help organize the activities surrounding the Traslacion.

During World War II, the Quiapo Church, which housed Jesus Nazareno, was severely damaged by bombings. Despite the destruction of much of the church, the image of Jesus Nazareno miraculously survived. This was seen by many as a sign of divine protection and further deepened the devotion of Filipinos to the image. The continued reverence for Jesus Nazareno after the war led to a resurgence and significant growth in the Traslacion in the post-war era.

5. Introduction of the Floating Platform (1990s)

In the 1990s, the Traslacion procession underwent significant organizational changes, particularly in how the image of Jesus Nazareno was transported. A floating platform, known as an "andas," was introduced to carry the image safely through the procession. This platform allowed devotees to get closer to the image while ensuring its security. It also enabled them to touch or wipe the image, which many believe has healing powers. The introduction of the andas contributed to the growing spectacle of the event.

By the 2000s, the Traslacion had become a truly massive event. The procession, which had been relatively small in previous decades, began to attract millions of devotees. The 2000s marked the first time that the procession was estimated to have over a million participants, a number that has continued to grow in the years that followed. Devotees now travel from all over the Philippines—and even from abroad—to join the procession, which has become one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

7. Modernization and Safety Measures (2010s)

As the number of participants increased, both the government and church authorities implemented more rigorous safety and security measures. In 2012, the Manila City government and the Philippine National Police began deploying more personnel to ensure public safety during the procession. Traffic rerouting was introduced to help manage the large crowds, and medical teams were stationed along the route, with emergency response units on hand to assist in case of accidents or health emergencies.

8. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Suspension of the Traslacion (2020-2021)

In 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the traditional Traslacion procession for the first time in modern history. In light of health and safety concerns, the Quiapo Church and Manila government announced that the procession would not be held in its usual large-scale format. Instead, a small-scale, controlled event took place within the Quiapo Church, with online masses replacing the public gatherings. This marked a significant moment in the history of the Traslacion, as the event, long known for its massive crowds, was altered due to the global health crisis.

9. Post-Pandemic Traslacion (2022 Onwards)

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This year, on January 9, 2025, the feast of Jesus Nazareno will once again be celebrated by millions of Filipinos. The traditional procession will follow the familiar route through the streets of Manila, with the image of Jesus Nazareno making its way from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.

It is expected that millions of Filipino devotees will gather to participate in this annual event, paying homage to the image of Jesus Nazareno and seeking blessings through the act of devotion.