The Traslacion of the Black Nazarene is an annual religious tradition that commemorates the venerated image’s transfer from Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1787.

Millions of Filipino devotees flock to the Traslacion which often lasts more than 20 hours with the hope that touching the revered image or the transport vehicle that carries the Nazareno would get their ailments healed and prayers answered.

Photo courtesy of Quiapo Church/Facebook

Return of Traslacion

The last Traslacion organized was held in 2020 wherein the Manila Public Information Office (PIO) recorded a staggering 3.3 million Filipinos who braved the throng of people to participate in the procession.

But disappointment from devotees grew when the COVID-19 pandemic halted the yearly commemoration of the Black Nazarene, stunting their panata of walking barefoot en route to Quiapo Church to show their devotion.

The threat amid the COVID-19 virus wreaking havoc around the world prompted the organizers to forgo the grand procession in 2021 but this was remedied by urging the laity to attend online masses for the commemoration of the feast of the Black Nazarene.

Photo courtesy of Boy Gonzales/DZRH

In 2022, the Traslacion was again canceled after Fr. Douglas Badong, the parochial vicar of the Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene, said the area was being used as a field hospital for COVID-19 patients.

Photo courtesy of Boy Gonzales/DZRH

In 2023, the Traslacion was replaced with the “Walk of Faith” after the grand procession was canceled again. The event featured the usual route of the procession but without the Black Nazarene’s image to prevent close interaction among the devotees.

With Traslacion returning in 2024 after its 3-year hiatus, the following changes have been implemented ahead of the procession on January 9.

‘Andas wall’ scrapped

The Manila Police District (MPD) announced that it will scrap the usual “andas wall” featuring thousands of policemen forming a barricade around the carriage to secure the revered image for Traslacion 2024.

Photo courtesy of Quiapo Church/Facebook

According to Acting MPD director PCol. Arnold Ibay, Filipino devotees could still come closer to the carriage despite deploying many authorities around the area.

Organizers of this year’s Traslacion said the Black Nazarene would instead be placed in a bulletproof glass.

No climbing on andas

Meanwhile, Feast of the Black Nazarene Adviser Alex Irasga said new protocols would now prohibit devotees from climbing on the andas or the transport vehicle carrying the Black Nazarene’s image as a preventive measure against possible accidents.

Photo courtesy of Quiapo Church/Facebook

Irasga underscored that only the image of Nazareno would be up on the carriage, and the hijos or hijos del Nazareno—volunteers who traditionally protect the venerated image on the carriage—would be on the ground to ensure that devotees would not climb toward the Black Nazarene.

The Quiapo Church adviser encouraged devotees to touch the cross during Traslacion instead, hold the rope on the andas, or wipe the carriage using their handkerchiefs.

Do’s and don’ts, route for procession

Meanwhile, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene released a list of reminders for Filipino devotees participating in the procession this year.

The list of reminders are as follow:

• Do not go up the carriage that carries the image of the Black Nazarene

• Do not push each other to prevent any accidents

• Do not wear hats and hoodies and use umbrellas during the procession

• Do not set camping tents, particularly those who wish to stay overnight

• Do not bring big bags. If necessary, use transparent bags to easily inspect belongings

• For children and people with comorbidities, wait along the side of the road for safety

• Remember to eat before joining the Traslacion to have enough strength during the procession

• Toss your handkerchiefs to wipe the Black Nazarene

• Wear face masks and ensure social distancing when participating in the Traslacion

• Bring transparent water bottles instead of tumblers

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene also announced the route of the Traslation set on January 9 which will begin on Quirino Grandstand and end at Quiapo Church.

From Quirino Grandstand,

• Right to Katigbak Drive (left side)

• Right to Padre burgos St. through Finance ROad

• Straight to Ayala Bridge

• Left to Palanca St.

• Right to Quezon Boulevard

• Right to Arlegui Street

• Right to Fraternal Street

• Right to Vergara Street

• Left to Duque de Alba Street

• Left to Castillejos Street

• Left to Farnecio Street

• Right to Arlegui Street

• Left to Nepmuceno Street

• Left to Conception Aguila Street

• Right to Carcer Street

• Right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen

• Left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat

• Left to J.P. de Guzman Street

• Right to Hidalgo Street

• Left to Quezon Boulevard

• Right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge

• Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church