Nazareno's andas revamped with sunroof, more rigid materials

The andas or the carriage of the image of Jesus Nazareno now includes a sunroof and features stronger materials for this year’s Traslacion, the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church said on Monday.

Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson for Quiapo Church and this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno, said the sunroof will allow spectators from buildings to see the image during the procession.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng sunroof made of tempered glass nang para sa gayon, pumasok din ang natural na liwanag sa Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno. At 'yung ating mga kapatid na nasa establishment, pagdaan ng Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno ay makita din nila,” Arellano said.

(Now we have a sunroof made of tempered glass so that natural light will shine on Jesus Nazareno. And our brothers and sisters who are in the establishments will also see the image during its passage.)

“Mas lalo rin nating pinagtibay 'yung mga stainless metal na nakikita natin sa andas...Nagkaroon din ng pagpapatibay sa gulong,” he added.

(We also strengthened the stainless metal in the andas. We also strengthened the wheels.)

There are now also blowers inside the glass to address moisture. Another new feature of the andas are the slanted corners to avoid devotees from jumping on it. 

“We believe hindi na ho sila makakasampa sa harapan. Maging sa likuran po yung natatapakang two inches natanggal ho yon,” said Alex Irasga, Nazareno 2025 technical adviser, in Ian Cruz’s report in 24 Oras. 

(I believe that they can no longer cling to the front side. Even the two-inch platform at the back has been removed.) 

As part of the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno, Traslacion is the January 9 procession of the image of Jesus Christ from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church in Manila.

Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the activities of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

READ: Quiapo Church announces schedule of activities ahead of Nazareno 2025

Arellano said the church is hoping that this year’s procession will be faster and more orderly. Last year, the Jesus Nazareno image returned to the Quiapo Church from the Quirino Grandstand after 14 hours, 59 minutes and 10 seconds.

Malacañang announced that January 9, 2025, Thursday, will be a special non-working holiday in the City of Manila in observance of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

The Quiapo Church reminded devotees to observe rules and regulations in the conduct of the Traslacion.

Firearms and liquors will be prohibited as part of the security measures in light of the celebration of the feast, according to the Manila police and local government. —KG, GMA Integrated News