Around 220,000 devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand to join the procession of Jesus Nazareno or Traslacion, from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church on Thursday, Jan. 9. 

The image of Jesus Nazareno is surrounded by  Catholic devotees during the start of Traslacion at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (John Louie Abrina)

According to the Nazareno Operation Center, the crowd estimate as of 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. 

The procession officially started at 4:41 a.m. 

Many devotees arrive on the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 8, while others come in the early morning of Thursday for the Fiesta Misa Mayor and procession.

Some of them come from Valenzuela, Caloocan, Novaliches, Binangonan, and other areas, and set up their tents and sleeping areas around the area while waiting for the procession to begin. 

Devotees set up their tents and prepare sleeping areas at Quirino Grandstand while waiting for the Traslacion to begin on Thursday, Jan. 9. (Richielyn Canlas)

Peter, 20, who had been a devotee since he was 12 years old, said that being a devotee helped him return to the right path, as at an early age, he had already gone off track and made friends with the wrong people.

“Niyaya ako [lang] ng kaibigan ko, sumama ako rito, tapos parang mas tumibay na yung pananampalataya ko. Ngayon, nagsisilbi ako sa Kaniya hanggang ngayon, nagpapasalamat at humihingi ng tawad. Sana'y lagi kaming may lakas para magsilbi sa Kaniya (My friend just invited me, so I came along, and it felt like my faith grew stronger. Now, I serve Him to this day, giving thanks and asking for forgiveness. I hope we always have the strength to serve Him),” he said. 

Jayron, 18, a first-time devotee, shared that his first experience was delightful because, despite the large crowd, they saw it as an opportunity to deepen their faith.

Jefferson, 19, who managed to wipe their towels on the carriage of the Jesus Nazareno, said it felt fulfilling because they could truly feel the presence of the Nazarene.
 

Meanwhile, after the carriage left Quirino Grandstand, some devotees reported feeling dizzy and sustained injuries. There were also others who had difficulty moving their feet and hands.

Red Cross members deployed in the area quickly responded to the situation.