Despite the official declaration of the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno as a liturgical celebration across all Philippine dioceses, the historic Quiapo district in Manila remains the undisputed heart of the devotion, drawing millions of faithful each year.
Record-Breaking Devotion Defies Expectations
Organizers of the annual religious feast have observed that the nationwide celebration has not diminished the magnetic pull of Quiapo. In fact, the opposite has occurred. Father Robert Arellano, spokesman for Nazareno 2026, revealed during a Wednesday press conference that last year's attendance shattered expectations.
"Last year, we didn't expect the number to go up because the celebration of the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno had already begun throughout the Philippines," Arellano stated. "We expected the number to go down last year, but we still recorded the highest number of devotees."
The Staggering Numbers of Faith
The scale of the devotion is monumental. In 2024, a staggering 8.4 million devotees participated in the festivities surrounding the Black Nazarene. This total count encompassed the entire 10-day period, starting with the Novena Masses on December 31 and culminating on the feast day itself, January 9.
This record was set after the Philippine Catholic Church declared the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno a liturgical feast for all dioceses in September 2024. Rather than dispersing the faithful, the national recognition seems to have amplified the significance of the pilgrimage to the original home of the iconic image.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Traslacion
Based on the overwhelming turnout in 2025, organizers are preparing for even larger crowds for the 2026 edition. While no official estimate has been set, the trend is unmistakably upward. "We don’t really have an estimate, but based on experience, the number is really increasing," Arellano confirmed.
The highlight of the feast, the grand procession known as the Traslacion, is scheduled for January 9. The revered image of the Black Nazarene will journey from the Quirino Grandstand to its sanctuary in Quiapo Church, traversing streets packed with millions of devotees.
In related observances, the unique tradition performed by the Hijos del Nazareno continues in places like Cagayan de Oro. For a decade, as part of their local Traslacion, members throw back handkerchiefs to devotees who believe these cloths gain miraculous healing power after being wiped on a replica statue of the Black Nazarene.
