MANILA — Malacañang declared Thursday, January 9, 2025, a special non-working day in the city of Manila for the celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the declaration “in order to ensure orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic”, and upon the request of the city government.

Several activities are scheduled for the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno: Barangay visitations are ongoing from January 1 to 6, with First Friday Masses on January 3 and a special Mass for volunteers on January 6.

The traditional pahalik (kissing of the image) will take place from January 7 to 9. An overnight vigil and program will begin on the evening of January 8 and continue until the morning of January 9.

On January 9, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over the midnight Mass ahead of the Traslacion, a grand procession attended by millions of devotees.

The centuries-old image of Jesus Christ will be carried from the Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo Church, retracing a route filled with heartfelt prayers and sacrifices.

Many devotees attribute miracles and answered prayers to their devotion to the Nazarene, a sacred image brought to the Philippines in 1606 and venerated for over four centuries.

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