After a three-year break due to the pandemic, the Quiapo Church in Manila, also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene, is all set for the highly anticipated celebration of the Feast of the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene this year.

In a media conference on Thursday, Jan. 4, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said planning for this year's Traslacion began as early as August 2023 as it was driven by caution about the improving Covid-19 situation in the country.

"The possibility of resuming the Traslacion was discussed if the pandemic situation in the country improves," Lacuna-Pangan explained.
"This is why preparations were initiated much earlier, right around the time we were gearing up for Nazareno 2023," she added.
Glass enclosed ‘andas’
The annual observance of Traslacion, dubbed as “Nazareno 2024,” is a 10-day activity-filled celebration from Dec. 31 to Jan.9.
The activities kicked off with the nine-day novena masses to the Black Nazarene from Dec. 31 to Jan. 8.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/28/quiapo-church-sets-activities-for-nazareno-2024
The celebration will start on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Quirino Grandstand, where more devotees will be able to get close to the Black Nazarene.
However, in a significant change, the Black Nazarene will be encased in a wheeled carriage carrying the image of the Black Nazarene made of protective glass called "andas."

Church officials explained that the glass box serves two functions.
Firstly, it protects the Black Nazarene from any unintended harm during the procession and eliminates the risk of damage caused by the pushing and crowding that can occur in such large gatherings.
Secondly, they emphasized that it allows devotees who cannot approach the image to still see it because of the massive number of participants.
The church also announced the "pagdalaw," in which the Black Nazarene will be taken to various barangays, sectors, and communities throughout the celebration.
This will allow devotees in remote areas to receive the blessings and grace of the Black Nazarene without having to navigate the main procession.
They also said that live streaming of Holy Masses in Quiapo Church will continue on the Feast day, but they cannot guarantee uninterrupted live coverage during Traslacion.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/4/doh-raises-code-white-alert-ahead-of-traslacion-2024