Administrators of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene on Thursday announced that they will continue to forgo the "Pahalik" and "Traslacion" for next year despite the easing of Covid restrictions.

The traditional kissing of the image and the icon's parade on the streets of Manila during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on 9 January 2023 will still not be held in line with health and safety protocols.

Quiapo Church adviser Alex Irasga, however, said that hourly masses, vigils, and other religious activities will push through for the celebration next year.

It will be the third year that the Pahalik and Traslacion will not be he held to stop them from becoming potential Covid-19 super-spreader events.

"The passion of our devotees is quite remarkable, especially since we are coming from a two-year-long Covid-19 pandemic," Irasga said, adding fiesta masses and vigils at the Quirino Grandstand shall still be held.

Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula will preside over the high mass midnight of 9 January.

Instead of the Pahalik, devotees could participate in what the church calls a 'Pagpupugay' to the Nazareno from 7 to 9 of January by queuing at a designated entrance lane at the grandstand's South Drive and exiting through Katigbak Drive.

Hourly masses will also be celebrated at Quiapo Church, including a series of 'Novenario' from 31 December to 8 January, continuous masses on the first Friday and Saturday of the year from early morning to evening, as well as 33 continuous masses from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday midnight.

The church is urging devotees not to bring large statues of the Nazareno during the celebration, but the blessing for the smaller replicas will be from 27 to 29 December.

Nazareno 2023 coordinator Bong Grajo said the designated entry points for devotees attending masses at the Quiapo Church are Carlos Palanca Street going to Villalobos Street and Carriedo going to Plaza Miranda.

Grajo added that vendors around Quiapo Church and along the routes sought for their activities will be given designated spots during the celebration.