MANILA, Philippines – Every year on January 9, the streets of Manila turn into a sea of maroon and yellow as Filipino Catholic devotees gather to celebrate the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, commonly known as the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Central to this celebration is the Traslacion, a grand procession of the image of Jesus Nazarene, which is revered by believers as miraculous.
This year’s theme is: “Mas mabuti ang pagsunod kaysa paghahandog (1 Sam. 15:22) sa mga umaasa kay Jesus.” (Obedience is better than sacrifice, for those who place their hope in Jesus).
In Rappler’s faith chat room, community members shared their photos of the feast in Manila, home of the centuries-old tradition. Here are some scenes from this year’s Traslacion:
Around 140,000 Catholic devotees attend the Misa Mayor, presided over by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, during this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno. Photo by Manila Public Information OfficeDevotees walk from Recto Avenue to Quiapo Church in Manila to attend the Fiesta Mass preceding the Traslacion. Photo by Javi via Rappler’s faith chat roomA sea of Catholic devotees cheer and honor Jesus Nazareno as the andas carrying the image of the Nazarene departs from the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to begin the Traslacion. RapplerDevotees flock to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila ahead of the Traslacion. Photo by Meel via Rappler’s faith chat room
Thousands of devotees attend the Misa Mayor at the Quirino Grandstand on January 9, ahead of the Traslacion. RapplerCatholics pitch tents and bring picnic mats to Luneta on the eve of the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno. RapplerDevotees gather outside the Quiapo Church before the Traslacion. Photo by Meel via Rappler’s faith chat roomCatholics light candles and pray ahead of the Midnight Mass at Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Rappler
