Traslacion 2025: Image of Jesus Nazarene back in Quiapo Church after 20 hours

Metro Manila, Philippines - The image of Jesus Nazarene has returned to Quiapo Church from the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on early Friday, Jan. 10.

The image returned at exactly 1:26 a.m. after 20 hours and 45 minutes of the grand procession, known as Traslacion, one of the longest in recent memory.

In 2024, the procession lasted for 15 hours — shorter than previous years.

Devotees began their annual trek from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park at 4:41 a.m, with the procession stretching 5.8 kilometers, passing through 18 roads, three plazas and parks, and six bridges.

There were more than 8 million participants for this year’s Traslacion, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

It said a cumulative 6.4 million crowd was estimated in and around Quiapo Church, 1.2 million at the Quirino Grandstand, and more than 380,000 following the procession.

The pace of the parade of the image of the life-sized dark statue of Jesus Nazarene slowed as many of the followers climbed onto the carriage, or andas.

Organizers also confirmed that the andas was pushed instead of pulled by members of “Hijos,” a group that secures the icon, hours before its return to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in the Quiapo district.

Hijos pull the carriage using two ropes. The first rope snapped on Finance Road crossing to Ayala Bridge in the morning.

The second broke when it crossed the Minor Basilica and Parish of San Sebastian at the Pasaje del Carmen St., where many of the Catholic faithful witnessed the “dungaw” ritual.

Ending at past 1 a.m., worshippers entered the Quiapo Church to receive the final benediction.

Before the march’s start, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr. led Thursday’s midnight mass, the Misa mayor, where he urged the faithful to practice Jesus’ teachings.

“Kung nagdedebosyon tayo sa Señor pero sumusunod naman tayo sa masamang tao, ibig sabihin, masamang tao talaga ang inaasahan natin,” he said.

[Translation: If we are devoted to the Lord but follow evil people, it means we are truly expecting evil from those people.]

Climbing onto andas

While authorities have repeatedly warned against climbing onto the andas, a number of devotees defied the reminder.

“Kahit sabihing bawal basta ‘pag tungkol sa Panginoon, kakayanin at panata na po ‘yun,” Kate Foronda, a devotee told NewsWatch Plus.

[Translation: Even if it's said to be forbidden, as long as it's for the Lord, it can be endured, and it's a vow.]

Organizers have modified the carriage design, hoping to prevent people from climbing onto the andas.

Other devotees, meanwhile, chose to proceed with the procession despite injuries along the way.

“Meron po kaming andas. Hindi namin inuuwi iyon hangga’t hindi nadadaanan ng mahal na Poong Nazareno,” Vicky Bruan, a devotee for two decades, said after being treated for foot abrasions.

[Translation: We have our own carriage. We don't take it home until it has passed by the Holy Lord Nazarene.]

Some foreign nationals were also sighted during the feast.

An Irish man based in Cebu witnessed the feast for the first time.

“It’s quite fascinating and amazing,” Anthony Cassidy, a vlogger, said. “It’s interesting how people interact with their faiths.”

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said as of 1 a.m. on Friday, it attended to more than 900 patients, mostly vital sign monitoring and minor health concerns such as various wounds, nail injuries, contusion, sprain, and sore throat.

The PRC monitored nine major complaints including dizziness with blurry vision, nausea and body weakness, and difficulty of breathing; while 446 had their vital signs checked.

Thirty others were transported to nearby hospitals and other health facilities.

The Department of Health said the “code white,” or the emergency alert for hospital and medical facilities, would still be in effect on Friday over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.