Black Nazarene devotees stream to Quirino Grandstand for 'Pagpupugay'

Catholic devotees began streaming to the Quirino Grandstand on Saturday for the "Pagpupugay" or viewing and touching of the image of the Black Nazarene, an activity replacing the traditional "Pahalik" in compliance with COVID-19 health protocols.

Ronald Ferrer was one of devotees who turned up early with his children for the Pagpupugay, according to JP Soriano's report on Super Radyo dzBB.

DETALYE: Mga deboto, patuloy ang pagdating sa Quirino Grandstand, Maynila para sa 'Pagpupugay' sa Poong Itim na Nazareno. | via @jpsoriano pic.twitter.com/1ozCHP4Eiy

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 7, 2023

Ferrer said they will spend the night at the grandstand and wait for the annual Black Nazarene Feast on January 9.

Hijos del Nazareno were designated at the entrance going to the stage to spray the replicas of devotees with oil.

Hijos will then spray the hands of devotees with alcohol as they arrive around the stage area to take their turn to touch the foot of the Nazarene image.

The foot of the Black Nazarene could be touched by devotees through a small hole at the back of the stage.

Devotees will first touch the cross before touching the Nazarene's foot before exiting.

A Mass was held at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

—LBG, GMA Integrated News