(UPDATE) Thousands, instead of millions, thronged Quiapo in Manila on Saturday for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, as the COVID-19 pandemic truncated one of the world's largest and most fervent displays of Catholicism.
Noticably absent from Traslacion 2021, the grand procession of the replica image of a cross-bearing Jesus Christ from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church. The cortege lasts for nearly 24 hours as barefoot devotees waving white handkerchiefs scamble to touch the statue.
Devotees believe the Black Nazarene is miraculous, healing them from grave illnesses such as cancer. The annual procession also attracts petty criminals who see it as a form of penance and a chance for them to reform their ways.
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First brought to Manila by Augustinian priests from Mexico in 1607, decades after the Philippines was colonized by Spain, the Nazarene statue is believed to have acquired its color after it was partially burnt when the galleon carrying it caught fire.
The home of the image, Quiapo Church, observed physical distancing and enforced wearing of face masks and face shields on Saturday.
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Here are more pictures of the crowds outside Quiapo Church as of late afternoon Saturday.
Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Auxilliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila, presided over a high mass at 4:30 a.m. Some of the devotees inside the church came barefoot.
Mass goers were also asked to fill up contact-tracing forms, which were also available online.
Here are more schenes from inside Quiapo Church during the dawn mass.
Those who can't be accomodated inside the Church joined the service outside, still observing physical distancing.
