The Traslacion of the Black Nazarene: Faith on the Move
It is an act of communal devotion, a testament to the resilience of faith, and a vivid reminder of the enduring bond between Filipinos and their God.
Barefoot devotees participate in a profound collective act of faith during the annual Traslación of the Black Nazarene, a deeply significant religious event in the Philippines. The tradition drew millions of participants in a grand procession of the life-sized statue of Jesus Nazareno through the streets of Manila. The devotees, often clad in maroon and yellow garments symbolizing the Black Nazarene, walk barefoot as a gesture of humility and penance, emulating Christ’s suffering on his way to Calvary. Many reach out to touch the image or hold onto the ropes pulling the andas (carriage) in hopes of spiritual renewal, healing or blessings. Despite the challenges posed by the dense crowds, scorching heat and long hours, devotees remain steadfast, driven by their unwavering belief in the miraculous powers of the Black Nazarene.
Photographs by Yummie Dingding, John Carlo Magallon and Aram Jan Lascano for the Daily Tribune
Every 9 January, the streets of Manila transform into a sea of faith, sweat and devotion during the annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene. This uniquely Filipino religious event draws millions of devotees who flock to Quiapo to honor the centuries-old image of Christ carrying the cross.
The event, imbued with fervor and passion, is a display of deep-seated faith unlike any other pilgrimage in the world.
JohnCarloMagallon
JohnCarloMagallon
JohnCarloMagallon
YUMMIEDINGDING
The photos of the Traslacion capture a kaleidoscope of emotions. Men, women and even children clad in maroon and yellow shirts — bearing the image of the Black Nazarene — fill the streets, their hands raised in prayer. Some carry towels and handkerchiefs they hope to wipe on the sacred image, believing in its miraculous powers to heal illnesses and grant prayers. Others hold up rosaries or candles, chanting “Viva Señor Nazareno!” in unison.
In one striking image, a man clings tightly to the ropes that pull the andas, the carriage carrying the Black Nazarene. His face reflects a mix of exhaustion and ecstasy. Around him, a throng of barefoot devotees surge forward, arms outstretched to touch the ropes, each one desperate to feel the sanctity of the moment.
