Today, Jan. 9, a massive number of devotees will flood the streets of Manila to honor Jesus Nazareno, formerly known as the Black Nazarene. This centuries-old devotion reflects a collective belief in the power of faith to overcome adversity.
The feast, a vivid tapestry of prayer, sacrifice, and fervor, attracts more devotees every year because of gratitude for answered prayers and hope for miracles to overcome adversity. Families pass down the tradition through generations, instilling in their children the belief in the statue’s miraculous powers.
The story of Jesus Nazareno began in 1606, when an ebony statue of Christ carrying the cross was brought to the Philippines from Mexico by Augustinian Recollect friars. Its darkened hue, attributed to either the wood used or the passage of time and constant handling by devotees, became a powerful symbol of suffering, humility, and resilience. Initially enshrined in Intramuros, the statue found its permanent home in Quiapo in 1767.
The rituals that surround the devotion have blossomed and start many days before the actual feast. Various replicas of the image of Jesus Nazareno which are venerated in churches and chapels are paraded around the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene Parish, or simply known as the Quiapo Church. Followed by a number of mostly young devotees, the parades further snarl traffic but motorists patiently wait out the familiar scene of devotion. But that does not compare to the actual day of the feast when many roads are closed and Manila literally pauses to allow the devotion to reach its crescendo in the annual Traslacion, the re-enactment of the image’s transfer to the Minor Basilica of Jesus Nazareno.
This is no ordinary parade — it is a marathon of faith that once took up to 20 hours. Walking barefoot as a sign of humility, millions of devotees jostle to touch the image or the ropes of the andas (carriage), convinced of its miraculous powers. There are shouts of “Viva Señor Nazareno!” and devotees pray, sing hymns, and recite the rosary, wearing the maroon and yellow hues of Jesus Nazareno.
The Traslacion draws a staggering number of participants — this year authorities estimate that crowd to reach millions. The procession is tightly managed with the deployment of over 14,500 security personnel, along with “no-fly” and “no-sail” zones to ensure safety. Despite minor injuries and challenges such as dehydration or exhaustion, the event is marked by a collective spirit of resilience and unity.
The devotion to Jesus Nazareno is more than a religious ritual; it underscores the value of perseverance, community, and faith in times of trial. The barefoot procession, the long hours, and the willingness to endure physical discomfort symbolize the Filipino spirit — resilient and hopeful even in adversity.
This devotion is a call to humility and solidarity, reminding us that our faith can be a source of strength and healing.
In the end, the Feast of Jesus Nazareno is not just a commemoration of Christ’s suffering; it is a celebration of hope. This enduring tradition, now over four centuries old, is not just about touching a sacred image; it is about touching lives and inspiring souls to believe in miracles amid life’s storms.
This collective faith should also provide inspiration that we can work together beyond religious settings — and political and social issues — to build a better nation.