(UPDATE) The Traslacion will skip a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Jan. 9 next year is cancelled, the Manila City government said Friday.
Millions of devotees, some barefoot, throng the capital's old quarter, Quiapo for the annual procession, hoping to see or touch a dark wood image of Jesus Christ, believing in its miraculous powers. Made of dark wood, the Black Nazarene was brought to Manila from Mexico in the 1600s and Filipinos felt an affinity with it because of its color.
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The Traslacion refers to the procession that returns a replica of the Black Nazarene to its home, Quiapo Church, from Qurino Grandstand by Manila Bay, where an overnight vigil is held. Thick crowds line up its path, with some clambered onto bridges and lamp posts.
The city government's announcement did not say what will happen to the broader Black Nazarene feast, of which, the Traslacion is the highlight.
Under current quarantine rules, churches and mosques can accept worshippers only up to 30% capacity. Lines 1 and 2 of the LRT that criss-cross in Quiapo district can only accomodate up to 30% capacity on their trains. Jeepney services are limited.
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