The Quiapo Church released on Tuesday, Jan. 3, the route of the "Walk of Faith” for this year's Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The “Walk of Faith,” which will be held after the 12 midnight mass on January 8, will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end in Quiapo Church.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said the "Walk of Faith" has one stark difference from previous years' observance -- there will be no images or replicas of the Black Nazarene that will be paraded during the procession, including "istandarte" or banners.
“Wala hong imahe, istandarte, mga kandila na hawak lang po ng mga deboto, may ruta naman po silang susundin, so mas mapayapa po ang magaganap na prusisyon. Normally naman okay, kasi kaya lang may konting kaguluhan dahil nga nilalabas po yung mismong imahe ni Poong Nazareno, pero wala pong ganoon ngayon (There is no image, banners, only candles will be held by the devotees. They also have a route to follow, so the procession will be more peaceful. Normally it's okay, there is just a little chaos because the image of Black Nazarene is exposed, but there is nothing like that now),” she said.
Quiapo Church officials, meanwhile, advised the devotees to observe physical distancing, the wearing of face masks, and to use disinfectants.
Among the prohibited items during the activities are medium to life-size Nazareno images, "istandarte" or banners, carriage or "andas," firearms and deadly weapons, pyrotechnic devices, drone cameras, professional cameras and video recorders, selfie sticks, large bags, blankets, hampers, storage boxes, portable appliances, LPG and stoves, tents, tables, and other picnic items, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, smoking and vaping, laser pointers, large chains, spikes, and other big metal objects, scooters, skateboards, skates, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, heavy meals, plastic and glass bottles, food sticks, pets, black plastics, and jackets.
Here is the list of areas where the Walk of Faith will pass through:
- Grandstand / Parade Grounds
- Katigbak Road
- Padre Burgos Street
- Jones Bridge
- Dasmariñas Street
- Sta. Cruz
- Palanca Street
- Quezon Blvd.
- Arlegui Street
- P. Casal Street
- Concepcion Street
- Carcer Street
- Hidalgo Street
- Bilibid Viejo/ G. Puyat Street
- Guzman Street
- Hidalgo Street
- Quezon Blvd.
- Palanca Street
- Villalobos Street
- Quiapo Church
The annual “Traslacion” is still suspended this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Quiapo Church said devotees will instead be given the opportunity to touch the image of the Black Nazarene or the “pagbibigay pugay” in lieu of the traditional “pahalik” at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon on Tuesday, Jan. 3, said over 5,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure a safe and peaceful conduct of the activities related the to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Dizon said millions of devotees of the Black Nazarene are expected to join the Walk of Faith.