Grand procession of Black Nazarene image cancelled

October 23, 2020

The grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene will no longer push through on January 9, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This after the Manila City government and the Quiapo Church have agreed to cancel the procession for the first time to ensure that public health protocols will be implemented on the day of the annual “Traslacion.”

Every year, millions of barefoot devotees line up to join the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Quiapo Church in Manila with the belief that the life-sized image has miraculous powers.

Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said that public health protocols must prevail over religious traditions, stressing that the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat to the nation’s capital.

“For the meantime, I’m asking you not to hold processions because it’s hard to control the people. And they might be at risk,” he said in an interview with reporters.

Quiapo Church rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel said that more masses will be held for the image’s devotees.

While Coronel admitted he was “saddened” by the cancellation of the annual procession, he stressed that the the church and the public must adhere to the health protocols set by the government.

Coronel also extended his gratitude for the continuous support that the Quiapo Church has been receiving from the Manila City government.