MANILA, Philippines — Every January 9, millions of Filipinos celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a religious observance deeply rooted in devotion and history. 

The feast marks the annual grand procession of the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, called Traslacion: a traditional solemn transfer of the image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church

Devotees believe the image has miraculous powers healing the sick and granting prayers — even the most unexpected ones. 

Every year, millions of devotees flock to Quiapo church to join the feast. Some are going to the celebration barefoot and some wearing maroon shirts with the image of the Black Nazarene to fulfill their “Panata” to the image.

The origins of the Black Nazarene

According to Quiapo Church documents, the Black Nazarene’s journey in the Philippines began in 1606, when the statue was brought from Mexico to Manila by Augustinian Recollects. Legend states that the statue was originally white but was charred black due to a fire during the voyage. 

Despite this, it was revered and has since become one of the most iconic symbols of Catholic faith in the country.

The first recorded ‘Traslacion’

The first recorded procession of the Black Nazarene took place in 1787, making it one of the oldest religious traditions in the Philippines. 

Over the centuries, the devotion to the Black Nazarene has only grown, with the annual procession becoming more elaborate each year.

In 1954, Pope Pius XII officially recognized the Feast of the Black Nazarene, cementing its importance in the religious and cultural aspects of Filipino life.

Since then, January 9 has become a day of deep reflection, prayer, and fervent devotion, with millions of devotees participating in the procession, hoping for healing, miracles, and a closer connection to Christ.

Due to the influx of devotees joining the procession, the Traslacion usually lasts for 15 to 22 hours.

The pandemic

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traslacion took a temporary pause to contain the spread of the virus and was instead replaced by “Walk of Faith” in 2023 still the same procession that traverse the same route as traslacion but without the  image of the Black Nazarene to refrain devotees from flocking to the image.

In 2024, three years after the pause, officials brought back the traditional procession which lasted over 15 hours and gained over 6.5 million attendees.