Devotees gathered in their thousands overnight to pay tribute to the image of Jesus Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand.
The Nazareno Operation Center estimates that until 4 PM on Tuesday, 9,000 devotees so far have congregated at the grandstand from various regions and neighboring towns. The number is exclusive of those who had arrived yesterday evening until the early morning hours.
Director of the Manila Police District PBGEN Thomas Ibay said the crowd is expected to grow even larger today until tomorrow, January 9.
The queue for the traditional “Pahalik,” or now “Pagpupugay” will remain until the Traslación tomorrow. The procession will return the image to the Quiapo Church, with attendees anticipated at a million.
The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazarene has advised the public against kissing the image to preserve hygiene. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, “pahalik” has been changed to “pagpupugay,” which only allows devotees to behold, wipe, and hold the Jesus Nazarene image. Sanitizing after pagpupugay is also encouraged.
