Road closures, do's and don'ts for the Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023
Heading out this weekend? Make sure you know where to pass because some roads in Manila will be closed in light of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 7 to 9.
"The public is advised to take alternative routes to point of destination as indicated," the Manila Public Information Office (PIO) said, posting a road closure advisory.
Jan. 6 to 9, 10:00 p.m. onwards:
- Stretch of Independence Road
- Stretch of Katigbak Drive
- Stretch of South Drive
- Roxas Blvd. Northbound and Southbound (from Katigbak Drive to South Drive)
Jan. 7 to 9, 7:00 p.m. onwards:
- Quezon Blvd Northbound and Southbound (from A. Mendoza/Fugoso to Quezon Bridge, straight to Padre Burgos Park 'n Ride)
- España Blvd Westbound and Eastbound (from P. Campa to A. Mendoza)
- Stretch of Evangelista St. (from Plaza San Juan to Recto Ave)
- Stretch of Raon St. (G. Puyat) (from Evangelista to Quezon Blvd.)
- Stretch of P. Paterno St. (from Quezon Blvd. to Evangelista)
- Stretch of Carriedo St. (from Rizal Ave. to Plaza San Juan)
- Stretch of C. Palanca St. (from McArthur Bridge to Quiapo Ilalim/Quinta Market straight to P. Casal)
- Stretch of Bustos St. (from Plaza Sta. Cruz to Rizal Ave)
- Northbound lane of Rizal Avenue (from Carriedo to Recto Ave)
- Northbound lane of McArthur Bridge
- Eastbound and Westbound lane of Recto Ave (from Rizal Ave to Nicanor Reyes St)
- Stretch of Nicanor Reyes St. (from España Blvd to Recto Ave)
There is still no traditional grand procession for the Traslación, which was last held in January 2020. Instead, there will be a Walk of Faith on Jan. 8 after the midnight mass, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The kissing of the image or "pahalik" won't also take place. Instead, the image of the Black Nazarene will be brought to different barangays, sectors, and communities through an event called the Pilgrim Visit of the Image of the Black Nazarene or “pagdalaw.”
Devotees are reminded to wear their face masks at all times. They may bring their own Black Nazarene images, but only those that are two feet and below which can be carried by hand. They may also bring other small religious items such as a rosary.
Devotees aren't allowed to bring:
- umbrellas
- heavy meals
- food sticks
- plastic glass bottles
- alcoholic beverages
- black plastics
- portable appliances
- large bags
- large chains spikes and other big metal objects
- scooters
- skateboards
- motorcycles
- pets
- banners
- laser pointers
- pyrotechnic devices
- firearms
- weapons
They may bring raincoats in case of rain, according to organizers.
Manila Mayor Honey Laguna imposed a liquor ban from Jan. 7 to 9, and suspended classes on Jan. 9.
The Manila government will deploy over 5,000 policemen during the event.