By Ishia Eleanor F. Marquez

Drawing millions of devotees, Filipino Catholics flock to the streets of Manila during Traslacion to witness the return of the sacred image from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church as part of the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene every January 9. 

As millions gathered to express their deep faith towards the sacred image, authorities were faced with a challenge in managing the large crowd and ensuring a safe feast for all.

This year’s procession of the Black Nazarene lasted 30 hours, 50 minutes, and 1 second, marking the longest Traslacion in history, surpassing the 22-hour record set in 2017. 

Despite efforts to manage the crowd, incidents still occurred during the long procession, with at least 1,700 injured as of writing. Traslacion 2026 spokesperson Fr. Robert Arellano also confirmed the deaths of four people in attendance, including three devotees and one photojournalist. 

Among the casualties in the procession is ‘Saksi’ Photojournalist Itoh Son, who was covering the feast since pre-Traslacion including the ‘Pahalik sa Poong Nazareno’ on January 8. Son passed away near Quirino Grandstand before Traslacion started.

According to the Quiapo Church, an estimated 9.6 million devotees attended the activities from January 8 to 10, making this year’s celebration the one with the biggest number of devotees in attendance.

Even though devotees are aware of the risks when participating in the procession, the large turnout shows that millions of devotees are still willing to attend the Traslacion to seek the blessings of and to express their gratitude to the Black Nazarene, with the crowd growing year by year.

Faith amid uncertainty 

Coming from a family of devout Catholics, for Princess Micaella ‘Prim’ Mendoza, faith has been her anchor when faced with uncertainties, allowing herself to surrender her fate and pray to God to ease her worries, trusting His guidance to sustain her through difficulties.

“Minsan kahit sobrang drained ko na to the point that I do not know who to call anymore, napapadasal na lang talaga ako (Sometimes when I am already drained to the point I do not know who to call anymore, I just end up praying). In praying, in surrendering everything to Him, parang ang gaan na (things become lighter) after. Hindi pa tapos ‘yung mga problema, pero (The problems are not yet done, but) at the same time, I felt that someone listened and will not give up on helping me throughout the challenges,” she shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

Hence, on occasions like the Feast of Jesus Nazarene, Prim believes that devotees flock the streets to honor and express gratitude to the Jesus Nazarene for the sacrifices and blessings He has given.

Similarly, San Roque Cathedral Parish Altar Server Marlon Cristobal noted in a separate interview that other attendees of Traslacion aim to seek the guidance of the Black Nazarene in navigating life’s difficulties.

Many devotees believe they will receive the blessing of the sacred image when touched during the Traslacion, with millions going beyond lengths—from holding onto the rope to climbing the carriage, and walking the streets of Manila under the heat—risking their well-being and sustaining injuries for their beliefs. 

“Sabik sila na mapakinggan [ng Poong Nazareno] dahil may mga bagay sila sa buhay na hindi nila inaasahan na mangyayari, at ang tanging paraan na lamang ay ibulong, sumampa, humawak sa dulo [ng] Krus mula sa andas, isalya mula sa likod ng andas, hilahin, at humawak nang mahigpit sa lubid upang sa Poong Nazareno ay mapakinggan sila… Naniniwala sila na naghihimala ang Itim na Nazareno (They are eager to be heard by the Black Nazarene because there are things that happen in their life unexpectedly, and the only thing they can do is whisper prayers, climb, hold on the end of the Cross from the carriage, push behind the carriage, pull and hold the rope tightly of the Black Nazarene for them to be heard… They believe the Black Nazarene will give them miracles),” Cristobal said.

Meanwhile, San Roque Cathedral Parish Altar Server Mark Jacob Mendoza highlighted in a separate interview the mystery surrounding the origins of the sacred image of the Black Nazarene, which devotees see as a blessing, hence why millions attend the Traslacion.

“Milyon-milyon ang nakikilahok sa taunang kapistahan dahil sa paniniwala sa biyaya't pagbabago—ng buhay, pamilya, at maging sa bansa—na hatid ng Poon. Naipasa na mula sa isang henerasyon patungo sa susunod ang tradisyong ito, kaya hindi na kataka-taka kung bakit patuloy na dumarami ang deboto't namamanata sa Poon (Millions participate in the annual feast because of their belief in the blessings and transformation—of their lives, their families, and even the nation—that the Lord brings. This tradition has been passed down from one generation to the next, so it is no surprise that the number of devotees and faithful continues to grow),” the altar server explained.

Whatever challenges devotees may be facing, many still see the Black Nazarene as a catalyst for hope, reaching for its guidance as if it is the only thing they could hold onto amid the crises. 

Prayers for the nation

From floods to corruption and the hike in the costs of goods, Filipinos have faced it all over the past year, with many still struggling to make ends meet. Despite this, the nation continues to turn to faith, hoping to draw strength and resiliency in their devotion amid the hardships. 

As national corruption persists, Prim emphasized the Church’s involvement as it upholds its moral responsibility in speaking against the injustices experienced by many.

Furthermore, amid the uncertainties faced by the nation caused by rampant corruption, she believes that people seek the Lord’s blessing as a source of reassurance that all will be well despite the hardships endured by the Filipinos. 

“When systems fail and leaders betray public trust, we turn to God for justice, comfort, and courage to endure and stand for what is right… Through prayer and devotion, we find reassurance that despite the corruption surrounding us, goodness, truth, and compassion can still prevail,” Prim explained.

Moreover, as many turn to the guidance of the Lord solely for their own needs, Cristobal reminds devotees that prayers should go beyond oneself and extend their wishes to the betterment of the entire nation.

“Lagi ko itong sinasabi sa panalangin ko [na] hindi lang dapat para sa sarili ang intensiyon kun’di para rin sa bayan, sa taong alam natin na sila din ang nangangailangan… Tama lang na dapat walang maiiwan; dapat lahat uusad sa agos at laban sa buhay (I always say this in my prayers that intentions should not be only for oneself, but also for the nation, for the people we know who are in need also… It is only right that no one gets left behind; everyone should be able to move forward with the flow and struggles of life),” he said.

The altar server also expressed that his faith provides him conviction that the country still has hope to flourish and eventually rise above the challenges it faces today.

“Ang pananampalataya ko bilang isang Katoliko na may paninindigan [ay ang] lakas ng loob na lumaban para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan… Hanggang ngayon naniniwala ako na may natitira pang pag-asa ang bayan natin (My faith as a Catholic with conviction is grounded in the courage to fight for the good of our nation… Until now, I believe that our country has hope),” Cristobal shared.

Fervent show of devotion

Starting the long procession at 3:59 a.m. on January 9 from the Quirino Grandstand, the Black Nazarene traveled through the streets of Manila before returning to the Quiapo Church at 10:50 a.m on January 10, marking the end of the Traslacion. Along the route, the rope used to pull the carriage of the Black Nazarene snapped as it neared Arlegui Street at 3:22 p.m. 

Moreover, as it reached its 24-hour mark, Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Fr. Jade Licuanan announced a temporary halt of the procession at the San Sebastian Church after ‘Dungaw’—the meeting of the Black Nazarene and the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at the Church—to prioritize the welfare of devotees and volunteers. 

However, despite the announcement of a pause, the procession pressed on, as devotees steered the sacred image of the Black Nazarene away from the Church, determined to continue the Traslacion amid the exhaustion. 

For Mendoza, the intense devotion seen in the streets where devotees compete to touch the sacred image or pull the rope holding the Black Nazarene often clashes with the Church’s wishes for a more solemn worship, emphasizing prayers and reflection. Yet, the fervent show of faith during the annual feast showcases the devotion millions have on the sacred image. 

Furthermore, he acknowledged the commitment of devotees toward the Traslacion and their refusal to stay at the San Sebastian Church, while emphasizing the importance of devotees’ and the sacred image of the Black Nazarene’s safety.

“Kauna-unawa ang naging desisyon ng mga deboto na ipagpatuloy ang orihinal na ruta, ngunit sana rin ay naintindihan nila kung paano humantong ang simbahan sa desisyong ipasok muna sana ang poon sa tahanan ng Mahal na Birhen ng Carmen. Piliin nawa ng deboto ang kaligtasan hindi lamang ng mga kapuwa nila deboto, bagkus pati na rin ang kalagayan ng orihinal na imahe ng Poong Jesus Nazareno (The devotees’ decision to continue with the original route is understandable, but it would have been good if they had also understood how the Church arrived at the decision to first bring the image into the home of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. May the devotee choose the safety not only of their fellow devotees, but also the wellbeing of the original image of the Black Nazarene),” the altar server expressed. 

The Feast of the Jesus Nazarene stands as a symbol of Filipino resilience with devotees enduring crushing crowds, scorching heat, and long walks during the procession in hopes of receiving guidance and blessings. In every step, the religious celebration is a reminder that devotion and faith carries the nation’s hope for a better tomorrow. 

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)