THE andas or the carriage to be used to transport the image of the Jesus Nazareno, has been redesigned to ensure that more people will get a clear view during the Traslacion on January 9.
The design of the andas was tailored to make it sturdier, and to prevent the devotees’ tendency to climb onto it during the procession.
Alex Irasga, the organizing committee’s adviser head, said that the image will be enclosed in a tempered glass with a roof and lights, as it was last year.
“The ceiling of the andas would also be replaced with glass so daylight can be used to illuminate the Nazareno and for devotees in high-rise buildings to see the image even from above,” Irasga said.
However, modifications will include an exhaust fan and other ventilation aids to prevent mist buildup, ensuring that the participants will see the image clearly. This adjustment addresses the issues from last year, where the glass fogged, hindering the devotees to see the Nazareno’s image.
“The andas would also contain first aid equipment like oxygen tank and defibrillator,” he said.
Measures have also been implemented to prevent the devotees from climbing the andas. This was also a response to the problems that occurred during the last procession, when the participants stepped on the lights and flowers adorning the andas.
“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,” explained Irasga.
“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. Maaari pa rin tayong magpahid ng panyo sa mga itinalagang Hijos del Nazareno sa andas upang maipahid ito.”
The andas would also be operated using both forklift and steel tires this year. It was also made to be lightweight enough for a single person to push, even with other members of Hijos de Nazareno aboard.
The Traslacion is the mass procession done as part of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, which commemorates the transfer of the image from the walls of Intramuros to its current home in Quiapo Church.
Last year, officials reported that approximately 6 million devotees participated in the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno, including the Traslación. This massive crowd struggled to get close to the revered image, attempting to kiss, touch, or wipe it with towels as an expression of faith and hope for its believed miraculous powers.
