MANILA, Philippines – The 2025 Traslacion, a grand procession attended by millions of Black Nazarene devotees, is happening this Thursday, January 9 in Manila.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Quiapo Church |
Up to 6 million devotees are expected to flock for the 14-16 hours parade of the life-sized, dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
“In my view, the numbers won’t go down—it’s still the same as last year, when an estimated 6 million went to Quiapo Church for the feast,” Manila Mayor Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna said.
With the expected influx of devotees, here are important reminders and information related to the much-awaited feast.
Traslacion 2025 route
Traslacion this year will follow the same route as the procession in 2024 spanning 5.8 kilometers.
The centuries-old Nazareno will depart from the Quirino Grandstand on the dawn of January 9, Thursday, and pass through several streets before reaching the Minor Basilica and Nationa Shrine of the Jesus Nazareno, commonly known as Quiapo Church.
The procession will pass through three plazas and parks, 18 national and city roads, and cross six bridges, and one underpass.
The hours-long procession will pass by the following areas according to Manila Public Information Office:
1. Start at Quirino Grandstand2. Right onto Katigbak Drive (left side)
3. Right onto Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road
4. Ayala Bridge
5. Left onto Palanca Street
6. Right onto Quezon Boulevard
7. Right onto Arlegui Street
8. Right onto Fraternal Street
9. Right onto Vergara Street
10. Left onto Duque de Alba Street
11. Left onto Castillejos Street
12. Left onto Farnecio Street
13. Right onto Arlegui Street
14. Left onto Nepomuceno Street
15. Left onto Concepcion Aguila Street
16. Right onto Carcer Street
17. Right onto Hidalgo Street through Plaza del Carmen
18. Left onto Bilibid Viejo Street through Gonzalo Puyat Street
19. Left onto J.P. de Guzman Street
20. Right onto Hidalgo Street
21. Left onto Quezon Boulevard
22. Right onto Palanca Street under Quezon Bridge
23. Right onto Villalobos Street through Plaza Miranda
24. Quiapo Church
Schedule of activities
The schedule of activities at Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo Church has also been released:
Quirino Grandstand
January 6: Mass for the volunteers
January 7 to 9: Pahalik (veneration of the Black Nazarene)
January 8: Band parade (3pm), Panalangin ng Takipsilim (5pm)
January 9: Misa Mayor (12am), vigil and program (1am)
Quiapo Church
January 8: Masses at 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 12:15pm; fiesta Masses at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm
January 9: Hourly Masses at 12am to 11pm
Security in Traslacion 2025
With millions of devotees expected to join the procession, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that they will implement security preparations to ensure public safety during the traditional Traslacion.
"The PNP is fully committed to safeguarding every devotee, dedicating all necessary resources to ensure peace and order during this sacred occasion," PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in a statement.
12,000 police personnel will be deployed to key areas such as the procession route and designated entry and exit points.
In addition to this, the PNP Intelligence Group and Anti-Cybercrime Group will closely monitor potential physical and digital threats.
The Highway Patrol Group and local traffic enforcers also will manage traffic flow and implement rerouting schemes for devotees and the general public.
In 2024, over 6.5 million devotees participated in Traslacion after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19.
Reminders for Traslacion 2025
Quiapo Church reminded devotees of the rules and regulations for the Traslacion.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Quiapo Church |
Feast adviser Alex Irasga shared the following reminders during the procession:
- Do not climb the Andas or the carriage for the black image.
- Do not push other devotees.
- Do not bring too many belongings.
- Do not forget to eat before Traslacion starts to have enough energy throughout the procession.
- Do not use umbrellas, caps or hoodies.
- Do not set up camping tents or tables especially those who will stay overnight.
- Do not bring tumblers.
- Do not bring drone cameras, professional cameras and selfie sticks.
- Do not bring portable appliances.
- Do not bring large bags.
- Do not bring alcoholic beverages.
- Do not bring food sticks.
- Do not bring pets.
- Tugging of the rope connected to Andas should be done with order and care.
- Maintain the spirit of holiness during the Holy Mass.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand.
- Sick devotees and children should just wait on the side of the road.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) announced the suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence for three days in the city for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
The gun ban will be from January 8 to 11, MPD chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also said a liquor ban would be in place from January 8 to 10.
Malacañang has also declared January 9, 2025 a special non-working day in Manila.
The hours-long procession can be watched on livestream on various media pages while the masses can be watched live on the official Facebook page of Quiapo Church and TV Maria.
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
