DEVOTEES of Jesus Nazareno have begun to swarm to the ever-busy Roxas Boulevard earlier than expected to attend the annual ‘Pahalik sa Nazareno’ held at the Quirino Grandstand on Tuesday, January 7.
Despite a scheduled start time of 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the annual event began earlier than expected as devotees began lining up at the location following the volunteer mass.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), church leaders officially began the religious activity at 8:05 p.m. on Monday, despite the fact that it was intended to begin at midnight on Tuesday.
Short lines today
Given that scenario, MPD Chief Police Brigadier General Thomas Ibay revealed that only around 600 people were sighted at the venue around 12:00 midnight, but it fell to less than 200 people at around 7:00 a.m.
“Kagabi kaunti lang naman po ang pumunta sa pahalik. Ngayon po, siguro magsisimula pa lang po na dumami. Wala pa pong 200 ‘yung estimate natin ngayong umaga na nagpugay,” Ibay said in an interview with the media.
“Ang peak talaga niyan, bukas hanggang [January] 9. Kaya binubuhusan natin ‘yan ng security personnel simula bukas hanggang sa gabi ng [January] 8 gawa ng doon na po magsisimula po yung prusisyon,” he said.
As of this writing, republicasia’s coverage crew noted that, despite having started earlier this year, the lines are reasonably short and well-organized. So far, the movement of people has been smooth, with no mishaps.
Safety reminders
The rector of Quiapo Church, Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr., urges followers to follow the guidelines established for all Traslacion 2025 activities. He stated that adhering to it will make the yearly event safer and more orderly.
“We call on devotees to understand that expressing faith also involves obedience. We are simply returning to the old devotion, where Jesus Nazareno is truly the main focus,” Sescon said in a press conference on Monday.
Devotees are allowed to bring small items to the Traslacion, such as single-handed copies of the Nazareno, transparent raincoats/ponchos, shoes and slippers, small cameras, wheelchairs, and so on.
They are discouraged from climbing the andas (carriage) that transports the image of Jesus Nazareno, and they must not obstruct the procession route or withhold the ropes tied to the andas.
Carrying medium to life-sized religious figures, banners, andas, lethal weapons, fireworks, drone cameras, selfie sticks, professional cameras, or large bags is also prohibited.
They are also forbidden from bringing umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, smoking and vaping items, laser pointers, large metal objects, vehicles and bicycles, heavy meals, plastic and glass bottles, food sticks, and pets.
Meanwhile, the Pahalik began today and will continue until January 9 at the traditional location of Roxas Blvd. via Kalaw Extension, which will be manned by the Metro Manila Development Authorities (MMDA).
