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.
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.
Preparation for this physically and spiritually demanding event is visible in the participants’ expressions. Some photos show families huddled in prayer the night before, while others reveal volunteers distributing food and water to the crowd. The contrast between the solemnity of the Mass at Quiapo Church and the chaotic energy of the procession highlights the dual nature of the Traslacion: Sacred yet visceral.
This yearly spectacle transcends mere tradition. 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.