Quiapo Church adviser Alex Irasga on Tuesday said that more than a million devotees are expected to gather in Quiapo Church and the Quirino Grandstand for the Feast of the Black Nazarene from 7 to 9 January.

Children and the elderly are permitted this year to attend masses at the Quirino Grandstand and in Quiapo Church. “They can now attend masses and participate in the procession,” said Irasga.

Organizers and authorities will still enforce health protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing.

Devotees may already be arriving as early as 6 January, the first Friday of the year, since Friday is a significant day for devotees of the Black Nazarene, said Irasga,