Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula celebrates the midnight vigil Mass in honor of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 9, 2025, which marks the start of the annual Traslacion.  Maria Tan, ABS-CBN news

Some 143,000 devotees trooped to Rizal Park all the way to Quirino Grandstand around 2 a.m. to take part in the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on Thursday.

In Misa Mayor, Cardinal Advincula urges Pinoys to be 'true devotees' of Jesus

Among the devotees was Maki Gonzales, 44, who became an Hijos after serving 15 years in prison for frustrated homicide.

Traslacion 2025 begins

“Pabalik-balik ng kulungan, hanggang sa nakakita ako ng isang Nazareno, nababago ang buhay ko,” Gonzales said.

“As in kelan lang na-stroke ako kaya lalong tumibay ang paniniwala ko sa Jesus Nazareno… dahil naka-recover ako,” he added.

For Michelle Foster, 33, the event was an annual family celebration. She brought a framed picture of her late father-in-law, Severino Berte, along with his statue of the Jesus Nazareno.

“Kaya siya namin sinama dahil birthday niya noong January 8, so dito namin cinelebrate,” Foster said.

“Deboto rin po siya dati. Matagal na rin siyang nagpapanata… kaya parang namana na namin,” she added.

Meanwhile, JR Guzman, 28, traveled all the way from Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley, to join the procession for the first time.

“Nagmotor ako galing Tuguegarao. 12 hours yung biyahe… gusto ko lang mapagdasal yung kaligtasan ng pamilya ko,” Guzman said.

After the Misa ng Mayor concluded, Kapamilya artists Coco Martin, McCoy de Leon, and Dimples Romana, graced the stage to share their stories of devotion.

Singer Angeline Quinto also performed May Bukas Pa, followed by sing-and-dance presentations from volunteers.

As the performances continued, volunteers distributed food and water to the attendees.

At 4:20 a.m., the Misa ng Bukang Liwayway was officiated by Reverend Richard Lim. Shortly after, the carriage carrying the image of the Jesus Nazareno was unveiled, which signaled the start of the procession.

Following the procession’s departure, volunteers began cleaning up the trash left behind.

Meanwhile, the Pagpupugay of the image continued at the Quirino Grandstand.

The procession, which lasted for 15 hours in the previous year, is expected by organizers to take less time because of the carriage’s improved design.