One of the most anticipated events in the Philippines has once again arrived, Traslacion 2018. This happens every 9th of January to commemorate the transfer of the Black Nazarene from Intramuros to Quiapo Church. Thousands of devotees flock to the streets of Manila, specifically near Quiapo church to prepare for the procession. image source
Having 86% of the country’s population as Catholics, it is not surprising that it is considered a feast, despite the not so festive atmosphere. Black Nazarene’s feast is actually on Good Fridays, but it has been a persistent misconception.
This year alone, over 153,000 devotees have taken part in the traditional “Pahalik” (Kissing of the image) and it is just a preview of just how much will be attending today’s traslacion. Those were just the numbers of those who have been able to come near the Black Nazarene image. A good 25,000 more are still in line waiting at the Quirino Grandstand hoping to come near.
Previously, “Pahalik” starts at the midnight before the procession but this year, devotees were only allowed to come near the statue after the 7am mass and will go on till midnight. To secure safety of the population expected to join, telecom companies will suspend mobile services in Manila and nearby cities. The government of Manila has also declared no classes and suspended work for this day.
Traditionally, the image leaves the Minor Basilica a day or two before the annual procession. Since 2016, the march starts around 05:30 AM right after a Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, followed hours later by Morning Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. It ends in Quiapo, depending on how long the image has travelled, mostly over 12 hours.
Some participants choose to wait for the image inside the Minor Basilica to greet it, while most devotees walk throughout the whole route trying ever so hardly to not lose grip on the Andas (carriage).
image source
All devotees wear maroon and yellow, just like the image, and walk barefoot as a form of penance. Police estimate that over 500,000 devotees strode barefoot in the previous years, which was attended by 9 million people. Attendees include families of devotees, tourists, and members of devotees' associations throughout the country and overseas, all carrying their long estandartes (religious gonfalon) usually coloured maroon or white and embroidered in gold and emblazoned with the image and the association name. Statistics from Wikipedia
Testimonial of a Black Nazarene devotee.
image souce
Ernesto is just one of the many who flock the streets of Quiapo. Years before he started with his engagement in Traslacions, his family was in deep poverty. They were starving and lived day by day. A friend shared miraculous stories about the Black Nazarene to his wife and got convinced to attend the feast. Since then, they claim that they were never hungry, no sight of empty dining tables again. More so, they now feel financial stability with their own house and car.
They have been criticized, even mocked about their belief but insisted they praise not the status but God.
There are many more stories like them, from cancer patients becoming cancer free, jobless to being financially stable, sickly to becoming healthy. These are just a few reasons for such devotion – a deep rooted personal experience with the Divine.
Although, I have yet to experience it myself, I have nothing against what others may call obsessive fanaticism. I am of my own faith and I know I will still be blessed even when I don’t choose to participate in such assembly.
This is us capping off our day 8 with thoughts about religion for 
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Jonah (and John)