Nazareno replicas blessing slated

Organizers of the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene have scheduled the blessing of replica images and banners for Saturday, 3 January 2026, as part of the lead-up to the 2026 Traslacion.

In a statement Friday, officials from the Minor Basilica of Jesus Nazareno said priests will be stationed at the Quezon Boulevard footbridge to perform the blessings starting at 1 p.m. To manage the expected crowd, the church has established three specific entry points for devotees.

Participants may enter through Rizal Avenue via Carriedo Street to Plaza Miranda, or through Plaza Lacson via Carlos Palanca and Villalobos streets. A third entrance is available at Quinta Market via the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard under the Quezon Bridge.

All devotees must exit through P. Paterno and Gonzalo Puyat streets toward Recto Avenue.

Alex Irasga, a technical adviser for the Quiapo Church, urged devotees to leave their replica images and banners at home during the main Traslacion on 9 January. He cited that bringing the replicas to the main procession could interfere with the flow of the celebration.

Organizers also announced a special Mass at the Quirino Grandstand on 7 January at 6 p.m. for media members, government personnel and volunteers.

Following the service, workers from the police, military and health departments will be given an opportunity to touch the image of Jesus Nazareno with their handkerchiefs or towels.