MANILA, Philippines — As millions of devotees crowd the streets of Quiapo for the annual Traslacion, a small Muslim community within the area takes on a unique role: befriending Catholics and introducing them to Muslim cuisine.

Both Muslims and Catholics have distinct religious traditions. Catholics worship God as the Holy Trinity—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—while Muslims worship Allah as the singular, indivisible God, emphasizing absolute monotheism.

However, during the Traslacion, the two communities come together to make the celebration memorable, with Muslims silently supporting their Catholic neighbors.

More than the food itself, the feast, although a Christian tradition, is seen as a barakah (blessing) by residents of Barangay 384, a community of Muslims located just a few meters away from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene.

Beige, 53, who has witnessed the Catholic tradition for over 10 years, said the procession marks a good day to celebrate both Islamic and Catholic traditions. She noted that it brings them blessings and an opportunity to share Muslim food and culture.

“We’re happy because this means barakah for our business and a day to unite with our Catholic brothers and sisters. It’s from Allah,” Beige told Republika News in Filipino.

“This is also a way to introduce Muslim food, our culture, to them because we cook good food,” she said.

Junaid, 28, a cook at a small food stall inside Muslim Town, shared that December 2024 was a challenging month for their business. However, as the feast approached, their sales began to improve.

“December was not a good month for us because our sales didn’t go well. But today, at least, we’re getting enough, and that’s what matters. We are grateful to Allah for this,” Junaid said.

He added that while many devotees pass through the area to rest after joining the procession, their willingness to try and support Muslim food signifies “respect and openness” toward Muslim traditions.

“Although we differ in belief systems, our customers—mostly Catholics—show respect and openness to explore Muslim traditions. That’s an important part of the Nazareno celebration,” he said.

Just a few meters outside the Muslim Town arch, some devotees take a break to rest and enjoy food, with pastil emerging as one of the most popular Muslim dishes.

“Pastil is good. At least I got to try authentic pastil from our Muslim brothers. It’s cheap yet filling,” said Jessa, a devotee.

Pastil is a dish made of steamed rice and shredded chicken wrapped in banana leaves, priced at P15.

Naima, 28, another resident, highlighted the “special bond” that exists between Muslims and Catholics.

“There’s a special bond between Muslims and Catholics that I admire. I’m happy they support Ramadan, and supporting the Nazareno feast is the least I can do for them. We support them here,” Naima said.

The feast of Jesus Nazareno attracts millions of devotees annually. 

Latest tally from the Nazareno Operations Center showed that there are over 630,000 devotees joining the hourly masses for the feast day at Quiapo Church while the crowd estimate for Traslacion breached 2.2 million according to Manila Public Information Office.

There are 33 hourly masses scheduled for the feast day until 11:00 p.m.

The masses happen while the Traslacion is traversing the streets of Manila. According to Quiapo Church’s Silgen Cabrito, as of 5:54PM, the andas (carrier) is currently at the Plaza del Carmen for the Dungaw rites, a traditional ritual during the procession where the image of Jesus Nazareno stops briefly at the Minor Basilica and Parish of San Sebastian to meet the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian.