Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 Traslacion, with the local government of Manila and various stakeholders coordinating efforts to ensure the event’s success on 9 January.

During a press briefing over the weekend, Alex Irasga, Support Adviser of the Committee for Nazareno 2025, shared guidelines for the celebration. He emphasized that climbing the carriage of the Jesus Nazareno to get closer to the image will no longer be allowed, a measure implemented to prioritize safety and orderliness.

Irasga also advised devotees to avoid bringing large items or bags and recommended the use of transparent bags to facilitate faster security inspections.

Additionally, wearing hats, bringing umbrellas, and using hoodies are strictly prohibited to enhance visibility and ensure smooth crowd management.

He further reminded the public to maintain a spirit of holiness during Mass and to avoid actions that could disrupt the solemnity of the occasion.

The Jesus Nazareno, or Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, is a life-sized wooden statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, believed to have been brought to the Philippines in 1606 by Spanish missionaries.

Carved in Mexico from mesquite wood, the statue is revered for its dark complexion, attributed to either the effects of a fire during its transport or as a representation of the suffering of Christ.

The image has become a symbol of hope and faith for millions of Filipino Catholics, many of whom believe it possesses miraculous powers. Devotees seek the Nazarene’s intercession, particularly in times of illness, financial difficulty, or personal hardship.

The Traslacion, a grand procession commemorating the transfer of the Jesus Nazareno from its original location in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1787, draws millions of devotees every year.

The procession, which spans several kilometers, has historically been characterized by fervent expressions of faith, with devotees striving to touch the image or its carriage, known as the andas, in hopes of receiving blessings.

In recent years, the Traslacion has faced challenges due to massive crowds, resulting in injuries and logistical difficulties.

In 2020, an estimated 2.9 million devotees joined the 16-hour procession. The pandemic in 2021 and 2022 saw a scaled-down version of the event, with virtual Masses and localized celebrations replacing the traditional procession.

Despite the challenges, the Traslacion remains a testament to the enduring faith of Filipino Catholics, symbolizing their resilience and devotion.

This year’s preparations reflect lessons learned from past Traslacion celebrations.

Authorities have implemented stricter measures to ensure public safety, including prohibiting climbing the andas and limiting the number of participants allowed near the image. These measures aim to preserve the solemnity of the event while protecting the well-being of devotees.