Over 8 million devotees thronged the streets near Quiapo, Manila on Thursday, to witness the sacred image of Jesus Nazareno.
Kicking off at 4:41 AM, the annual religious procession went from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church. Before the procession commenced, a midnight mass was officiated by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.
The Archbishop encouraged devotees to have hope in Jesus Nazareno, emphasizing the importance of placing hope in Jesus.
Señor Nazareno’s Arrival
As the procession for the holy image began, thousands of devotees ran and broke through police barricades, eager to meet the andas of Jesus Nazareno. Some streets were blocked and barricaded during the procession. However, several devotees forcefully entered the streets of Casal and Palanca, while the andas made its way toward Ayala Bridge.
The religious event amassed thousands of devotees as early as 7:00 AM. However, several devotees reportedly fainted due to the crowd's influx. According to the volunteers from the Federal Fire Volunteer Group, the majority of those who fainted were women. Additionally, most of the patients they attended to were individuals who had not eaten or had a lack of sleep.
The devotees' dedication to participate in the "pahalik", "pagpupugay," and the midnight mass left a handful of individuals feeling weak and fatigued.
Meanwhile, heaps of trash were left behind along Quirino Grandstand after the parade began. Large amounts of trash also piled up along Taft Avenue, prompting the Manila Department of Public Service (Manila DPS) to immediately begin their cleanups along the areas.
In a Balansyado exclusive on Tuesday, Manila Police District (MPD) Director PBGen. Arnold Thomas Ibay reminded the public to dispose of their garbage properly and secure their belongings.
Authorities on Duty
Along with the annual feast of the holy image of Jesus Nazareno comes various risks for the occurrence of accidents and injuries. During the religious day, numerous operatives are on duty to respond to any possible risk that may occur.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed numerous personnel, to tend to devotees who are in need of medical help.
Additionally, the MPD announced that they will continue to monitor the crowd in the areas along Quiapo Church. According to Ibay, operatives were deployed as early as 4:00 AM to monitor and prevent congestion in the Minor Basilica.
Awaiting the La Mirata
At around 6:00 PM, the "Dungaw" or "La Mirata" was carried out at the San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza del Carmen in Quiapo, Manila. Along with the procession, this is one of the most anticipated events during Traslacion. A tradition spanning decades, this ceremony marks Mary’s union with Jesus the Nazarene.
However, as the crowd rushed to get a sight of Jesus Nazareno’s image, several devotees fainted and were rushed to first aid stations.
Due to the large influx of attendees, the ropes used to push the carriage snapped, prompting the Hijos del Nazareno to manually push the carriage from the San Sebastian Church all the way to Quiapo Church.
In an interview with MPD Director Ibay, he said that the district estimated that this year’s Traslacion might take more than 17 hours, citing the slow pacing of the andas.
This did not stop the crowd from coming. At around 8:00 PM, the crowd estimate from Quiapo Church was at 950,600.
Viva Nazareno
Nearing its final stretch, the image of the beloved Jesus Nazarene arrived at Villalobos Street at around 12:24 AM, heading straight for Plaza Miranda.
After 20 hours and 44 mins since the start of the procession, the image of Jesus Nazareno finally entered the Quiapo Church at 1:25 AM.
Over a thousand devotees patiently waited for the andas to arrive back at Quiapo Church, shouting “Viva Señor” to welcome the holy image back to its Basilica.
