Feast of the Black Nazarene Returns with Physical Activities, Here's Your Guide

(SPOT.ph) Filipino Catholics can once again physically participate in the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, as the annual religious event returns with the least restrictions for the first time since the pandemic hit three years ago.

While the traditional Traslacion remains suspended, this year's celebration will allow devotees to join a procession dubbed as the "Walk of Faith" from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila in the early hours of January 8.

Also read: Lourd de Veyra on the Black Nazarene Feast: Pride and Pedicure

In-person masses at Quiapo Church will also resume, while the traditional "Pahalik" will be replaced by "Pagpupugay" at the Quirino Grandstand where devotees can touch, but not kiss, the image of the Black Nazarene.

"Magkakaroon tayo ng pagbabalanse ng pagtalima sa umiiral na health protocol upang maiwasan ang kontaminasyon ng umiiral pa rin na sakit na dulot ng COVID habang itinataas naman natin ang diwa ng pananampalataya sa panahon ng pagdiriwang ng Kapistahan ng Nazareno," said Bro. Alex Erasca of Quiapo Church in a press briefing on Tuesday, January 3.

In 2022, all physical activities related to the feast of the Black Nazarene, including the Traslacion and in-person Masses in Quiapo Church, were cancelled to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. 

Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023: What you need to know

Instead of the traditional Traslacion where devotees carry the image of the Black Nazarene on their backs while walking barefoot to Quiapo Church, a procession called "Walk of Faith" will be held at 1:30 a.m. on January 8 starting at the Quirino Grandstand.

The procession will pass through the traditional route of Traslacion but without the image of the Black Nazarene itself. This is to reduce the close interaction among the participants during the procession that could cause the spread of COVID-19, Erasca said.

Unlike the Traslacion which usually lasts for more than 10 hours, the "Walk of Faith" is expected to end after three hours, or around 4 a.m.

From January 7 to 9, the "Pagpupugay", or the tweaked version of the "Pahalik", will be held at the Quirino Grandstand where devotees can touch, but not kiss, the image of the Black Nazarene. Dedicated lanes will be put in place for men, women, and people needing special assistance such as PWDs, senior citizens, and those with medical conditions to ensure order during the "Pagpupugay".

Four Masses will be held at the Quirino Grandstand, one each at midnight of January 7, 8, and 9 and another at 6 a.m. on January 7 catering to government officials and other administrators of the event.

Hourly Masses will also be held at Quiapo Church, totalling to at least 24 Masses during the entirety of the religious celebration. Masses will also be held in nearby churches so that devotees will no longer have to troop to Quiapo Church, Erasca said.

Health, security protocols

As COVID-19 remains a threat, devotees are advised to wear their masks, bring sanitizers and observe social distancing when joining the activities. Participants are also requested to bring a government ID in case of emergencies.

People with body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius and above, high blood pressure, sore throat, continuous sneezing, coughs, colds, and other symptoms are advised not to join the event.

The following items are allowed during the events:

• Water canister
• Sandwiches and other snacks
• Cellphones and registered VHF radio
• Single-carried images no more than 2 feet in height, rosary and other small religious relics
• Transparent raincoat or poncho
• Small cameras
• Wheelchair
• Single-seat, light chair
• Flashlights
• Portable or small candles and matchboxes
• Waist bag
• Clear plastic or garbage bag

Since the traditional Traslacion will no longer be held, devotees will also now be allowed to wear shoes or sandals.

The following items are prohibited:

• Medium size to life-size Nazareno images
• Banners
• Carriage or andas
• Firearms and other deadly weapons
• Pyrotechnic devices
• Drone cameras, professional cameras and video recorders
• Selfie sticks
• Large bags
• Blankets, hampers, storage boxes
• Portable appliances
• LPG and stoves
• Tents, tables, and other picnic items

The Manila City government is set to impose a liquor ban in the city from January 7 to 9, and a suspension of classes and work on January 9, to ensure an orderly celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Several roads near the procession route will also be closed as early as January 6. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid inconvenience.

Some 3,000 police personnel will be deployed by the Manila Police District to provide security during the event, with an additional 3,000 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office and other units.