Iconic Black Nazarene ‘Traslacion’ Poised for 2024 Comeback in Manila

MANILA: Preparations are underway for the possible return of the ‘traslacion’ or grand procession of the Black Nazarene in early 2024. The Quiapo Church, in a recent advisory, announced plans for a walk-through of the procession’s route scheduled for this Saturday. The church invites the public to join on December 16 at 5 am at the Quirino Grandstand for this preparatory event, signaling readiness for the Nazareno 2024 celebration. According to the Quiapo Church, the walk-through will see participation from church officials, government agencies, and various stakeholders involved in the Feast of the Black Nazarene, set for January 9, 2024. Traditionally an annual event attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees, the procession starts at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and concludes at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church in Quezon Blvd. The grand procession was cancelled in 2021 due to the coronavirus disease pandemic, and the church introduced a “Walk of Faith” procession this year
. The last actual traslacion occurred in January 2020, shortly before the nationwide lockdown triggered by the pandemic.