Quiapo Church has released the official schedule of activities and the procession route for the 2026 Feast of the Black Nazarene, an annual religious event that draws millions of devotees.
The celebration, themed “He Must Increase, and I Too Shall Decrease,” begins at midnight on 31 December with a thanksgiving procession. Daily novena Masses will follow from the first day of the year through 8 January 2026.
The schedule includes several community-focused events, such as barangay visitations within the Quiapo District from 2 to 6 January and the blessing of replica images and standards on 3 January.
Preparations at the Quirino Grandstand will begin 7 January with a volunteer mass and the traditional “pahalik,” where devotees venerate the image of Jesus Nazareno.
The “pabihis,” or the ceremonial vesting of the image, is set for 7 January, while fiesta masses are scheduled to begin on the afternoon of 8 January. The “Misa Mayor,” or main festive Mass, will be held at the grandstand at midnight on 9 January, followed by dawn prayers and the start of the Traslacion procession.
Church officials also confirmed the path for the 2026 procession. From the Quirino Grandstand, the route moves through Katigbak Drive to Padre Burgos Street and onto Ayala Boulevard.
The procession will then navigate several narrow streets, including Palanca, Arlegui, Fraternal, and Vergara. It will continue through Duque de Alba, Castillejos, and Farnecio before returning to Arlegui.
The final legs of the journey involve Nepomuceno, Concepcion Aguila, and Carcer streets. The procession will pass through Plaza del Carmen and Bilibid Viejo, then move along Hidalgo, back onto Quezon Boulevard, and finally through Villalobos Street and Plaza Miranda to reach Quiapo Church.
The 2025 celebration drew an estimated eight million participants. Local authorities and church leaders expect a similar turnout for the upcoming festivities and have urged devotees to follow safety protocols.