The annual grand procession of the revered image of the Black Nazarene, known as the Traslacion, commenced earlier than its traditional schedule this year. The event, a cornerstone of Filipino Catholic devotion, saw the andas or carriage depart from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta at 4 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. This marks a significant one-hour advance from the usual 5 a.m. start time that follows the dawn prayer.
Procession Progress and Massive Crowd Estimates
As of 9:27 a.m., the moving image had reached the intersection of Ayala Boulevard and Romualdez Street, according to official updates from the Quiapo Church Command Post. The scale of the devotion was evident in the early crowd numbers, with authorities estimating that nearly 440,000 devotees had already gathered by 8 a.m. This count encompassed the areas around the Quirino Grandstand, Ayala Boulevard, and the Quiapo district itself.
Hundreds of members of the Hijos del Nazareno, the primary brotherhood tasked with guarding the image, closely flanked the andas as it began its long journey back to its home at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, more commonly known as Quiapo Church on Quezon Boulevard.
Officials Express Satisfaction with Orderly Start
In the minutes following the departure, Fr. Robert Arellano, the spokesperson for Nazareno 2026, expressed satisfaction with the initial phase of the event. He noted that the flow of people was smooth, without the dangerous pushing, crowding, or attempts to climb the carriage that have characterized past processions.
"Let us pray that this will continue until the Quiapo area. That is still a long way off. We cannot be sure yet what will happen," Fr. Arellano cautioned in an interview at the Quirino Grandstand. He emphasized that incidents could still occur at any point before the andas safely returns to the basilica, reminding everyone of the procession's challenging and unpredictable nature.
The Detailed Route Back to Quiapo Church
The Traslacion follows a meticulously planned, winding route through the streets of Manila. From the Quirino Grandstand, the procession will navigate a series of turns and straight paths, including:
- Right to Katigbak Drive
- Right to Padre Burgos St. via Finance Road
- Straight to Ayala Bridge
- Left to Palanca St., then Right to Quezon Boulevard
The path continues through Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Duque de Alba, Castillejos, and Farnecio streets before looping back towards key landmarks. It will pass through Plaza del Carmen, go along Bilibid Viejo via Gonzalo Puyat, and traverse J.P. de Guzman Street. The final leg involves turning onto Hidalgo Street, left to Quezon Boulevard, right to Palanca Street passing under Quezon Bridge, and finally a right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda leading directly to the doors of Quiapo Church.
This early and orderly start for the Traslacion 2026 has set a hopeful tone for one of the world's largest single-day religious gatherings. Millions of devotees are expected to participate or line the streets throughout the day, seeking to touch the image or throw towels to its handlers for a chance to wipe the statue, an act believed to grant blessings and miracles.
