Nazareno 2024: 5 tips on how to survive Traslacion, according to long-time devotees

For the first time since 2020, the grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene, also known as the Traslacion, will be conducted as part of the celebrations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Thousands of devotees are expected to gather during the Traslacion on January 9.

Aside from long-time devotees of the Black Nazarene, first-time goers are also expected to join the procession.

For first-time goers, it might be a little overwhelming and stressful to huddle in the jampacked crowd, so here are some tips from long time devotees on how to survive Traslacion.

1. Have enough sleep

It's no joke to join the Traslacion as it lasts for more than ten hours. In 2020, the Traslacion ended after 16 hours, making it the fastest Traslacion to end in the past years.

According to long time devotee Jheng, having enough quality sleep before going to the grand procession will help you last long in the crowd.

"Hindi ka pupunta doon para lang maki usyoso, dapat may sapat na tulog ka," she told GMA News Online.

"Kung pagod ka at puyat baka bigla kang himatayin sa gitna ng prusisyon. Mas mahihirapan ka lalo," she added.

2. Eat before going to the procession

It's hard to join strenuous activities when your stomach is empty so Boy, a long-time devotee who used to climb the "andas" of the Black Nazarene, advised fellow faithfuls to eat before going to the procession.

According to him, eating a full meal is a must before the walk as they will need energy for the long procession.

"Makakatulong ito para maiwasang mapagod agad," he said.

He added that bringing a bottle of water will help devotees stay hydrated.

3. Do not force yourself to get into the crowd

In the past, a number of fatalities and injuries were recorded during the Traslacion.

In joining the Traslacion, expect to be pushed, pulled and elbowed by the throngs of crowd. While it's inevitable, prevention and preparedness are better than being injured afterward.

According to Boy, to prevent yourself from getting hurt, do not to force yourself in the crowd.

"Huwag ipilit kung hindi kaya baka kasi matulak-tulak ka. Tapos magkastampede," he  said.

Meanwhile, Jheng advised fellow devotees to keep their distance in the crowd to avoid getting pushed and pulled in.

"Be mindful sa distance. Tingnan mo if nagigitgit ka na. Kapag ganon, lumayo ka ng kaunti kasi baka mamaya bigla kang matulak o mahila pagitna. Mahirap 'yun," she added.

4. Do not hesitate to ask for help

It's normal to get exhausted and feel tired during the Traslacion and if it happens do not hesitate to ask for help.

Jheng shared a life-saving hack you can do when you feel exhausted: just raise your hands in the air.

"Itaas mo lang ang kamay para maagos ka palabas ng mga deboto," she said.

With that, fellow devotees can escort you out of the procession or call for medical assistance.

According to the Philippine National Police, around 15,000 cops to be deployed for Nazareno 2024.

There will also be over 1000 volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross in the area so do seek help if you need one.

5. Have faith

For Jheng and Boy, aside from the physical preparation, faith is the best thing you could bring to the feast of the Black Nazarene.

"Dapat 'yung faith mo sa kaniya buo. Walang alinlangan sa bawat minuto na mamamanata ka," she said.

"Huwag nating kalimutan iyon, dahil ang Panginoon ang maglalayo sa atin sa anumang kapahamakan," the Cavite faithful added.

"Iyong puso mo dapat nakahanda," Boy said, highlighting that we shouldn't only pray but also listen to the Holy Nazarene's words of wisdom.

"Ayun dapat ang isapamuhay," he added.

Now that you have some tips on how to survive the Traslacion, you may also want to read their dos and don'ts for a safe, and orderly celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.