Vendor anticipates selling Black Nazarene figurines on upcoming Traslacion

As the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene draws near, numerous vendors sell carved images of the Nazarene and other religious products side by side.

One of these vendors is 89-year-old Gloria Gonzales, who has been selling figurines for 10 years beside Quiapo Church. Gonzales said that the feast of the Nazarene is an opportunity for the vendors to earn more especially after the pandemic has affected their livelihood.

"I hope devotees will come and buy my products. I had stopped selling during the pandemic due to strict ordinances. When lockdown was lifted, I came back to continue my livelihood. So far, the earnings from selling these items are just enough to feed my children and support their education," Gonzales said.

Gonzales added that she had been a devotee of the Black Nazarene since she was eight years old.

"I have been a devotee of the Black Nazarene since I was eight years old. It has always been a part of my life, and I consistently pray to the Nazarene for good health and peace in the community I am part of," Gonzales added.

When asked about what her prayers are to the Black Nazarene as the annual celebration of Translacion approaches, she wishes everyone a good life.

"I just wish that everything will go well. I wish for every Filipino, especially the devotees of the Black Nazarene, to have a good life. God is always there to guide us in our battles. At 89 years old, this is proof of God's mercy and love for me," Gonzales said.

Vendors in Quiapo are highly anticipating the feast day of the Black Nazarene on 9 January as hundreds of thousands of devotees are expected to flock to Quiapo church. However, the Philippine National Police announced that vendors are allowed in the surrounding area of Quiapo Church for safety reasons.

The procession of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino grandstand of Quiapo Church was forgone for the past three years. As it returns this year, authorities anticipate over two million devotees to join the Traslacion.