Philippines: Procession of the Black Nazarene January 9

Event

The annual Procession of the Black Nazarene (or Traslación) is planned to take place in Manila on Tuesday, January 9, and is expected to draw roughly 2 million people. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected near the procession route, with approximately 7000 uniformed personnel from Manila Police District, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and Philippine Coast Guard to deploy to provide security for the event on Tuesday. Security officials are expected to conduct random searches for weapons in the bags of people in the area in preparation for the event beginning on Friday, January 5. A gun ban will be in effect in Manila from 08:00 on Sunday, January 7 (local time), to 08:00 on Tuesday. Cell phone service will reportedly be jammed along the procession route and some associated disruptions are likely in Metro Manila.

Crowds of people participating in the march are expected to initially gather in the Rizal Park area on Monday, January 8. The Traslación is set to begin around 06:00 at the Quirino Grandstand and terminate at Quaipo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene) around 18:00. The procession, however, may in reality last until the early hours of Wednesday, January 10, due to the large crowd size.

Additionally, several roads will be closed beginning at 11:00 on Sunday in preparation for a procession of replicas of the Black Nazarene at 14:00. The southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard (from Alfonso Mendoza Street/Fugoso Street to Plaza Miranda), the eastbound lane of CM Recto Avenue (from Rizal Avenue to SH Loyola Street), and the westbound lane of España Boulevard (from Padre Campa Street to Lerma Street) are expected to be closed on Sunday.

Context

The Procession of the Black Nazarene is the largest religious gathering in the Philippines. An estimated 18.9 million people are expected to participate in the 10-day Black Nazarene feast celebrations, which began December 31, 2017, and will conclude with the Traslación march on January 9. At least 31 people were injured in a related thanksgiving procession of the Black Nazarene on December 31 after stepping on stones and other sharp objects.

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized figure of Jesus Christ carrying the Cross that is venerated in the Philippines. The annual Traslación procession from the Intramuros area of Manila to Quiapo Church regularly attracts millions of devotees.

Advice

Individuals in Manila are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior, prepare for associated transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.