After a three-year hiatus due to the enduring impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the iconic Black Nazarene procession made a triumphant return in the Filipino capital, Manila, attracting an overwhelming turnout of hundreds of thousands of devotees. This year's event, held on January 9, witnessed an estimated two million people participating in one of the Philippines' grandest displays of Catholic religious fervor.
The annual procession features a life-sized statue depicting Jesus bearing the weight of the Cross, making its journey from the Church of St. Nicola da Tolentino to the parish of Quiapo, covering a distance of 7 kilometers. The procession concludes a novena that begins on December 31. This marks the first occurrence of the traditional event since 2020, as Covid-19 precautions had forced significant downsizing in previous years.
The Black Nazarene, a statue brought to Manila by a Spanish Augustinian priest in 1607, holds a unique history. Legend has it that the ship carrying the icon from Mexico caught fire, but miraculously, the statue emerged unscathed and turned black. The annual procession commemorates its first transfer on January 9, 1767.
In a departure from tradition, this year, the revered icon was encased in glass for the first time. Participants were strictly instructed not to board the float, although some chose to disregard this directive, highlighting the fervent devotion of the faithful.
Fr. Hans Magdurulang, spokesperson for the 2024 Black Nazarene procession, shared with AsiaNews agency that from the early hours of the morning, over 1.3 million barefoot devotees had already gathered. Despite the security measure of placing the icon in a glass case, some participants defied instructions, attempting to touch or kiss the statue, believed to possess miraculous healing powers and bring good fortune.
Authorities implemented stringent security measures, including blocking mobile phone signals to prevent remote detonation of explosive devices. A no-fly and no-sail zone was imposed near the procession route. First-aid stations were strategically positioned to address medical issues, as the procession has previously taken up to 22 hours to complete due to the immense crowds.
Dori Hael Marquez, a long-time devotee and mother of two, expressed her enduring devotion to the Black Nazarene, emphasizing the powerful celebration of faith, unity, and the enduring spirit witnessed amidst the vibrant sea of devotees. Luzviminda Parada, a private sector employee, echoed the sentiment, describing the Feast of the Black Nazarene as a sacred journey that binds the community together in faith and celebration.