08 Jan 2019 | 03:21 AM UTC
Philippines: Procession of the Black Nazarene January 9
Millions of people to attend the Procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila on January 9; authorities announce road closures and heightened security measures
Event
The annual Procession of the Black Nazarene (Traslación) will be held in Manila on Wednesday, January 9. Over a million people are expected to attend the event, which will begin at 05:00 (local time) at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park. Participants will then march through the westbound lane of P. Burgos to Jones Bridge and end at the Quiapo Church in Plaza Miranda. The procession may last up to 22 hours. Security officials have announced a series of road closures on Wednesday around the event, which can be found here. According to media reports, telecommunications networks will be disrupted along the march route, which has also been designated as a no-fly zone.
Context
The Procession of the Black Nazarene is the largest religious gathering in the Philippines. 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, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, report any suspicious objects or activities to the police, and prepare for associated transportation disruptions.
