Quiapo Church issues reminders for Traslacion 2024

Quiapo Church on Wednesday issued reminders for devotees on what is allowed and prohibited during the conduct of the upcoming Traslacion on January 9, 2024.

One of the activities in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Traslacion is a procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church of the 400-year-old black image of Jesus Christ.

The traditional Traslacion was not held in the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the return of the traditional procession, Quiapo Church reminded participants to observe the following:

Don’ts

• Organizers prohibited devotees from climbing the andas or the carriage to prevent blocking the view of the Black Nazarene image.
• To avoid injuries, devotees are discouraged from pushing other participants in the procession.
• Quiapo Church also advised devotees not to bring many belongings or big bags. For easy inspection, they are advised to use transparent bags.

Do’s 

• Children and those who have illnesses are advised to just stay on the side of the streets to ensure their safety.
• Before the start of Traslacion, devotees should already have their meals so they would have enough strength to participate in the procession.
• Quiapo Church still allows devotees to throw their handkerchiefs and towels to rub them on the Black Nazarene image.
• Carrying of pingga or the lever as well as pulling the rope are also allowed but should be done with order and caution.

So far, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has not monitored any credible and serious threats for the event.

Police will implement some restrictions in controlled areas in front of Quiapo Church as well as the streets and roads surrounding the chapel.

Prohibited items are backpacks and water bottles except those transparent ones, as well as umbrellas and bull caps, among others.

Physical distancing will be imposed during Masses to minimize the risk of communicable diseases.

Around 2 million people are expected to participate in the Black Nazarene feast. 

To secure the activities of the feast, the PNP said around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed. During Traslacion, over 5,600 personnel will be initially deployed. —VAL, GMA Integrated News