LOOK: Manila prepares for smaller Black Nazarene celebration

Every year on Jan. 9, traffic stands still in Manila as the millions-strong, kilometers-long Black Nazarene traslacion winds its way through the streets and the image is eventually returned to the altar of Quiapo Church.

Not this year.

The city is preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene pandemic-style. There won’t be a grand procession. Instead, Quiapo Church is holding smaller-scale activities. 

Instead of the Pahalik, where devotees wipe the feet of the image and kiss it, devotees can do a “Pagpugay” and “Pagtanaw” or pay tribute and view the statue.

The original Black Nazarene—an image of a kneeling Christ—was carved by an unknown Mexican from a dark wood in the 16th century in Mexico and then transported to the Philippines in 1606. The Black Nazarene is venerated every Friday at Quiapo Church.

Quiapo Church will also hold 15 Masses tomorrow, starting at 4:30 a.m. with the last one at 10:15 p.m. Only 400 people will be allowed to enter the Quiapo Church per mass. 

Nearby churches—specifically Sta. Cruz Church in Sta. Cruz and San Sebastian Church in Intramuros — will also hold Masses tomorrow to minimize devotees attending masses at Quiapo Church.

Road closures on Jan. 9, 2021, 12 a.m. onwards:

Stretch of Ronquillo St. from Rizal Ave. to Plaza Sta. Cruz

Stretch of Bustos St. from Plaza Sta Cruz to Rizal Ave.

Re-routing of vehicles:

Vehicles on the southbound lane of Rizal Ave. going to Ronquillo St. will turn right to CM. Recto Ave., turn left to R. Regente St., to J. Luna St. turn left to Plaza Cervantes to Jones Bridge or go straight to Muelle dela Industria to Escolta to point of destination.

Vehicles coming from McArthur Bridge intending to utilize Bustos St. shall go straight to Rizal Ave. to point of destination.

Devotees who will go to Quiapo Church, Sta. Cruz Church, and San Sebastian Church on Jan. 9 can also register online for contact tracing for Traslacion 2021.

CONTACT TRACING for #Traslacion2021
• Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church)
• Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament (Sta. Cruz Church)
• Minor Basilica of San Sebastian (San Sebastian Church)

1. SCAN QR CODE
2. FILL-UP FORM
3. SUBMIT

1.2 pic.twitter.com/MfdOFeNzts

— Quiapo Church (@quiapochurch) January 5, 2021