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Behind the Miracles of Traslacion: Trivias about the Jesus Nazarene

by Deanna Macaranas

Recently updated on January 31, 2025 12:47 pm

KNOWN as one of the most significant events among Filipinos (especially for Catholic devotees), the Traslacion is a commemoration of the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene. On January 9, millions of devotees are expected to unite for the yearly event.  

Traslacion is one of the traditional events during the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene. During this, the 400-year-old image of the Jesus Nazarene is paraded from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo church. 

While the procession and the profound spiritual importance is something that is very well-known amongst the Filipino devotees, there is a wealth of lesser-known facts and intriguing trivias that adds layers to the Jesus Nazarene, here are some of them: 

  1. The image of the semi-kneeling Christ was painted in a dark brown color, similar to the skin of the unknown Mexican artist. The image was shipped from Mexico to Manila and is given to a Recollect Parish. 
  1. In 1606, the Jesus Nazarene (also known as the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno) was shipped from Mexico to Manila and was placed in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Bagumbayan (what is now known as Luneta or Rizal Park.) 2 years later, the Jesus Nazarene was moved to Intramuros. 
  1. Traslacion is considered as the high point of devotion–commemorating the transferring of the image from Intramuros to Quiapo church in 1700s, not the feast day of the said parish. The feast day of Quiapo Church or the Parist of Saint John the Baptist dates on June 24th. 
  1. In the late 1990s, a gunshot damaged the left cheek of the Jesus Nazarene. 
  1. The Jesus Nazarene had also survived a lot of events including the fires that destroyed the church of Quiapo in 1791 and 1929; great earthquakes that occured in 1645 and 1863, and the bombing of Manila in 1945. 
  1. The image of the Señor Nazareno was placed on an andas (carriage) and is pulled by “mamamasan,” holding on to two 50-meter-long abaca ropes. Before it was damaged in 1976, the original andas was made of silver. 
  1. 2012 was marked as the longest procession in history, taking more than 22 hours. 
  1. The last Traslacion before the pandemic had gathered more than 3 million devotees and lasted for 16 hours. 
  1. Due to the pandemic, instead of holding Traslacion in 2021, the image is instead displayed in various locations within Manila and other nearby dioceses. In 2022, the “pahalik,” was swapped out for “patanaw,” or “viewing. 
  1. As a sign of humility, devotees who partake in the procession walk barefoot and endure hours of physical discomfort to get close to and touch the Jesus Nazarene. They believe doing so will bring miracles and grant their wishes. 

Even if it is seen as just a tradition for many, Traslacion will always remain something more than just a religious procession. It is a profound expression of faith and devotion that spiritually connects devotees and Jesus Nazarene. 

Traslacion reflects a deep sense of resilience and unwavering belief in the power of prayer and miracles. It will continue to guide and strengthen the devotion of all generations of Filipinos for the upcoming years ahead.

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