More than three million devotees flock for the return of the Traslacion of the image of the Black Nazarene in Manila on January 9, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Fewer devotees are expected to join Traslacion 2025, as more parishes across the country will hold their own masses and celebrations, a representative of Quiapo Church said. 

“We expect na yung mga nagdiriwang, nagpupunta sa simbahan para magsimba at hindi naman para makisama sa prusisyon. Sa halip na magpunta sa Quiapo, ay magdiriwang na lang ng kapistahan sa pagdalo ng misa sa kanilang parokya,” Alex Irasga, technical advisor of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, said during an ocular inspection ahead of the January 9 Traslacion.

To speed up the procession, which ran for almost 15 hours last January, Irasga shared changes in the carriage of the Nazarene. 

“In-improve din namin yung mga gulong, na para po ba itong luggage lamang na magaan itulak. Kaya itong hilahin ng isang tao,” he said.

Irasga also shared the addition of better ventilation to reduce moisture inside the tempered glass encasing the Jesus Nazareno. 

The walkthrough, led by the Manila Police District, started at 6 a.m. at Quirino Grandstand and traced the route to the Quiapo Church. 

The inspection aims to identify road hazards and plan emergency responder stations along the Traslacion 2025 route.

“Gusto ng pamunuan ng city na a week before the Traslacion, by January 1, clear na lahat. And this is not the only time na magkakaroon kami ng walkthrough. Every week titignan namin,” Irasga said.

Traslacion's return delights Nazarene devotees

The Pahalik sa Poong Nazareno will be held at Quirino Grandstand from January 7 to 9, followed by the Cardinal’s Mass on the morning of the Traslacion. 

This year’s procession will follow the same route as last year, according to organizers.

The Philippine National Police said 12,000 to 14,000 personnel, including members of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will be deployed to maintain peace and order during the event.

Irasga reminded devotees to use the proper term for the holy image.

“Hindi na po namin ipinapakalat ang pagtawag sa aming imahe ay itim na Nazareno. Tinatawag po namin itong Jesus Nazareno. Hindi naman kasi siya nagsimula bilang itim,” the procession organizer said.