Traslacion 2021 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic —Manila gov't

The annual grand procession of the life-sized image of the Black Nazarene held every January in Manila will be cancelled for 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was announced Friday by the Manila Public Information Office on Facebook.

Every year, millions of Catholic devotees, would participate in the Traslacion or the grand procession of a centuries-old wooden statue of Jesus Christ from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church. 

The parade, which would start early morning, would usually last for hours, even reaching nighttime.

As of Thursday, October 22, the number COVID-19 cases in the Philippines was at 363,888 after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 1,664 new infections. 

To prevent further transmission of the virus, the government has prohibited large gatherings including parties. —KBK, GMA News