The 'andas' carrying the Black Nazarene makes its way amid a thick crowd of Catholic devotees during the annual Traslacion along P. Casal Street in Quiapo, Manila on January 9, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The design of the andas (carriage) carrying the much-venerated black image of Jesus Christ, or Nazareno, has been modified to make it more durable and to prevent devotees from climbing onto it during the Traslacion, a fiesta official said Friday. 

Devotees gather at Quiapo Church for Nazarene replica blessing

Fiesta adviser Alex Irasga said the centuries-old image will be in a tempered glass enclosure with a roof and lights during the procession. 

“Nagkaroon po tayo ng major innovation sa ating disenyo ng andas,” said Irasga. “Ito po ay isang work in progress na isinagawa po natin.”

(We have made a major innovation in the design of the andas. This is a work in progress that we have implemented.)

Irasga said for this year, a glass panel was installed on top of the enclosure to allow natural light to enter and enable people in higher areas to see the statue. An exhaust fan and ventilation system were added to prevent the moisture issues that occurred last year.

Unseen but present, moisture covers the Black Nazarene enclosure

Measures were added to prevent anyone from climbing onto the front, which occurred last year when people stepped on the lights and flowers. Now, there is nothing for the public to step on.

“Ang lahat naman po ng ito ay sa hangarin natin na mas makita ang ating mahal na Hesus Nazareno ng milyon-milyon nating mga kapwa deboto, sa halip po na ang mga deboto ang nakikita.”

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(All of this is for the purpose of allowing millions of our fellow devotees to see our beloved Jesus Nazareno, rather than seeing the devotees themselves.) 

The Traslacion, annually scheduled on January 9 to take the Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church where it is housed, has been characterized by crowds of devotees in maroon and yellow clothing who walk barefoot in a display of faith, devotion, and hope for miracles.

They struggle to kiss, touch, and wipe towels on the life-sized wooden statue of Jesus Christ, which is believed to have miraculous powers.

Irasga advised the faithful to practice orderliness during the spiritual celebration. 

“Pinakikiusapan po ang lahat na huwag nang sumampa sa andas upang higit na makita ang imahen ng Hesus Nazareno ng higit na nakararami nating kapatid na kapwa deboto. Nawa ay paraanin at iwasang salubungin at lubid at andas. Maari pa rin tayong magpahid ng panyo sa mga itinalagang Hijos del Nazareno sa andas upang maipahid ito,” Irasga said.

(We ask everyone not to climb onto the andas so that the image of Jesus Nazareno can be better seen by more of our fellow devotees. Let’s make sure to pass through and avoid meeting the ropes and andas. We can still wipe our handkerchiefs on the designated Hijos del Nazareno on the andas to have it wiped.) 

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