An influx of Filipino devotees are doing whatever it takes to get a glimpse and chances of climbing the andas or carriage of the Black Nazarene as the annual Traslacion returns to the streets of Manila City on Tuesday, January 9 for the first time in three years since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers of the annual grand procession earlier reminded those who will be participating of the do's and don'ts during its transport, one of them is prohibiting devotees from climbing on the andas or the transport vehicle carrying the Black Nazarene’s image as a preventive measure against possible accidents.
However, some devotees remain unfazed by the new protocols as they continue to take chances on climbing the andas in hopes of wiping the image of the Black Nazarene with their cloth, towel, or handkerchief — which is believed to heal ailments and answer prayers.
Others can be seen throwing their handkerchiefs and towels to the members of the Hijos del Nazareno, who are on the carriage.
WATCH: Ilang mga deboto, sumampa sa andas ng Itim na Nazareno sa pagdaan nito sa Quezon Blvd. Service Road corner sa C. Palanca Street | DZRH News#Nazareno2024#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 9, 2024
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Organizers are expecting millions of Filipinos to participate in the annual procession.
In previous years, it took more than 20 hours for the andas to reach the Quiapo Church.
Feast of the Black Nazarene adviser Alex Irasga earlier told DZRH that the grand procession in 2015 took 22 hours, the longest record yet.