Traslacion 2025: Jesus Christ's image to be known as 'Poong Hesus Nazareno' moving forward
Jesus Christ's image during the annual Traslacion—one of the most significant events in the Philippine Catholic Church—will be known as Poong Hesus Nazareno, a breakaway from the centuries-old Black Nazarene or Itim na Nazareno, moving forward.
This image, which is the star of the grand procession held on Jan. 9 every year, has been popular and endearing to millions of Filipino Catholics, especially since it's believed to be miraculous.
But why undergo a name change now?
"Sa kasaysayan, hindi lubos na klarado kung saan nagmula ang pagtawag ng Itim na Nazareno or Black Nazarene," Fr. Robert Arellano, the spokesperson of Nazareno 2025, told GMA's 24 Oras. (According to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)'s Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, one theory is that the image was made to reflect the color of native Mexicans. Another theory says it was a casualty of a fire that broke out on the galleon during its voyage to the Philippines. Since it's carved out of dark wood, the image darkened further due to aging and constant anointing with balsamic oil and perfume.)
"Kaya nga pinapalitan natin ang 'Itim' sa tunay na pangalan ng nating Panginoon," Arellano said. "Hesus. Hesus Nazareno."
Millions of Filipino devotees join Traslacion, or transfer in Spanish, carrying the 400-year-old image of Jesus from Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno—more popularly known as Quiapo Church—and making their way through the surrounding streets. It's then placed on display at the Quirino Grandstand before returning to the church.
Traslacion was halted from 2021 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It made a full comeback last year, with an estimated 6.5 million devotees in attendance during the 13-hour procession.
Like last year, the image will be covered with glass to prevent devotees from climbing up the andas or carriage.
The life-sized image depicts a dark-skinned Christ in a maroon robe carrying the cross on his right shoulder, positioned with one knee on the ground and looking heavenward with agony.
"Expressionist in style, it is a solitary image depicting Christ falling to the ground on the way to His crucifixion on Calvary," the CCP Encyclopedia entry reads.
The image wears a crown of thorns, representing Jesus’ mockery. Three gold rays, called potencias, emanate from its head, symbolizing Christ’s power and divinity. It also has a detachable head and movable arms and shoulders.
The CCP encyclopedia states that the image was crafted in Mexico and brought to the Philippines by the Augustinian Recollects on May 31, 1606. It was initially enshrined in the church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan (now Luneta), and was transferred to Quiapo Church in 1787 upon the request of then-Manila archbishop Basilio Sancho de Santa Justa.
This historic "transfer" is then commemorated every Jan. 9.
Nazareno 2025 activities
On Facebook, Quiapo Church listed activities in celebration of Nazareno 2025, which has the theme "Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog sa mga umasa kay Jesus."
The feast kicked off with a Walk of Thanksgiving at midnight of Dec. 31.
From Jan. 1 to 6, there's a barangay visitation from Quiapo's basic ecclesial community, a small group that meet to reflect upon the scripture and apply its lessons.
The replica and standard blessing was held on Jan. 2.
Masses will be held on Jan. 3, 8, and 9, which start as early as midnight.
At Quirino Grandstand, there will be a mass for volunteers on Jan. 6.
The traditional "pahalik," in which devotees touch, kiss, or wipe their handkerchiefs to the image, will be held from Jan. 7 to 9. The practice was halted from 2021 to 2023 due to the pandemic, and was only held again from Jan. 7 to 8 last year.
On Jan. 8, there will be a band parade and panalangin sa takipsilim or prayer at sundown.
And on Jan. 9, a misa mayor will be held at midnight, presided over by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.
Traslacion 2025 route
This year's route will follow that of 2024.
- Quirino Grandstand
- Right to Katigbak Drive (left side)
- Right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road
- Straight to Ayala Bridge
- Left to Palanca Street
- 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 Nepomuceno 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 Street through under Quezon Bridge
- Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it has deployed over 14,000 personnel in preparation for the feast.
There will be a total of 12,168 NCRPO personnel for area and route security, while an additional 2,306 personnel were provided by partner agencies.
