Pahalik crowd breaches 30,000 mark; number expected to rise as Traslacion nears
Catholic devotees line up to touch and wipe the feet of the image of Jesus Nazareno with handkerchiefs and towels during the second day of the Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Thursday, Jan. 8. (By John Louie Abrina)
The crowd at Quirino Grandstand for the Pahalik of the image of the Jesus Nazareno is now at 33,800 as of 7 p.m., breaching the 30,000 mark, the Manila Police District (MPD) said Thursday, Jan. 8.
According to MPD Spokesperson Philipp Ines, the number of devotees will continue to increase as more people are expected to participate in the Traslacion procession tomorrow, Jan. 9.
Aside from the Quirino Grandstand, people are also starting to flock to Quiapo Church in anticipation of the procession. The church administration recorded more or less 9,000 devotees currently on church grounds as of 5 p.m.
Bad weather ahead of Traslacion
Despite the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) warning of moderate to strong winds and rainshowers during Traslacion, more devotees are still expected to participate in the yearly religious gathering as they pay tribute to Jesus Nazareno.
According to the Weather Bureau, Metro Manila is expected to experience mostly cloudy to cloudy skies throughout the day, with intermittent rain possible along the procession route in Quiapo on Jan. 9.
PAGASA said weather conditions are expected to improve by nighttime, with lighter winds and partly cloudy to cloudy skies.