Organizers decentralize Jesus Nazareno feast observance

Metro Manila, Philippines - Event organizers have tweaked the observance of an annual religious festival in Manila to make it a nationwide celebration on Jan. 9.

The feast of Jesus Nazareno was previously celebrated by millions of devotees – a number of them from the provinces – in the Quiapo district, in particular to participate in the annual “traslacion” or the procession of the image from the Quirino grandstand to its home in Quiapo church.

Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr., Quiapo church rector, said devotees can now observe the feast in their localities.

“Makasaysayan ang ating piyesta sa taong ito,” said Sescon in a press briefing on Friday, Jan. 3. “Sa bawat diocese, sa bawat parokya, ito’y kanilang ipagdiriwang.”

[Translation: Our feast this year is historic. It will be celebrated in each diocese and parish.]

As this would be the first time to localize the celebrations, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said the local government expects devotees to still crowd the city. The traslacion drew around six million devotees last year.

The city police said around 14,000 security personnel will be deployed for the event.

“So far, wala naman tayong namo-monitor na threats. But alert naman po lahat… We are not keeping our guards down,” said Manila Police District Director PBGen Arnold Ibay.

[Translation: So far, we have not monitored any threats. But we are on alert.]

Road closure, prohibitions

Beginning 9 p.m. on Jan. 8, roads on the traslacion route will be closed to vehicular traffic. These will be opened after the procession passes through.

The 5.8-kilometer route is the same as in past years. It will begin at the Quirino grandstand and conclude at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, or Quiapo church.

Church officials advised devotees against bringing these banned items: medium-size or life-size Nazareno replicas, banners, carriage, firearms and deadly weapons, pyrotechnic devices, professional camera and video recorder, large bags, blankets, hampers, storage boxes, portable appliances, LPG and stoves, tents, tables, other picnic items, umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, vape, laser pointers, vehicles, plastic and glass bottles, pets, black plastics, selfie sticks, drone cameras, and jackets.

They also reminded devotees against climbing onto the “andas” or carriage that carries the religious icon during the procession.

Authorities will impose a gun and liquor ban on the eve of the feast.

The pahalik, or the traditional kissing of the Nazareno image, will begin on Jan. 7. Organizers reminded devotees against kissing the image for health and safety reasons; they may only wipe and touch it.

No campaigning

Meanwhile, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia and event organizers said politicians should avoid campaigning in the event.

“Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng pulitiko, kung gusto n’yo magsimba, pwede naman kayo magsimba. Walang pipigil sa inyo. Pero sana po ay igalang natin ang okasyon,” Sescon said.

[Translation: We call on all politicians, if you want to attend church, you can. No one would stop you. But please respect the occasion.]

“Hindi namin kayang pigilan ang kahit na sino na magpa-file ng kasong disqualification laban sa kahit na sinong pulitiko. Wala ring makakapigil sa ’min na i-disqualify ang lahat ng pulitiko na lalabag kung sa palagay namin ay may paglabag,” Garcia said.

[Translation: We cannot prevent anyone from filing disqualification cases against any politician. No one can also stop us from disqualifying any politician who we deem are violating rules.]