A day before the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, devotees flocked to Luneta and Quiapo for the traditional Pahalik or kissing the image of the Nazarene.

According to the Nazareno Operation Center, as of 8:00 PM, the Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta drew about 22,600 faithfuls.

Pahalik will continue until Thursday morning, 9 January, before the Traslacion or the procession of the Jesus Nazareno starts.

Devotees are prohibited to kiss the image of Jesus Nazareno and are only allowd to wipe it using a handkerchief or towel.

In 2021, the traditional Pahalik was prohibited due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was changed to Pagpupugay wherein devotees were only allowed to look at the image.

Meanwhile, there were also about 2,500 devotees who attended the evening Novena mass at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo.

Millions usually take part annually during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.