MANILA — The Manila city government has suspended classes and work in local government offices on Friday, January 9, in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

In a statement issued Monday, January 5, the city said classes at all levels — public and private, whether online or face-to-face — will be suspended. Work in Manila City Hall and other local government offices will also be halted.

For national government offices and private companies located in Manila, work arrangements will be left to management’s discretion, the city government said.

Essential city services, including public safety, traffic management, disaster response, and healthcare, will continue without interruption.

January 9 marks the culmination of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which began on December 31, 2025. The image of the Black Nazarene will be brought in procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

The annual celebration draws devotees from across the country. During the 2025 Traslacion, official tallies from Quiapo Church recorded 8.12 million devotees.