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The Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the most awaited events for most of the Catholic devotees. Believing that the Black Nazarene is a miraculous image, more and more people gather every year to get a glimpse and a closer contact with the image as they believe that this would bring cure to their diseases.

Feast of the Black Nazarene 2015

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is an annual event which is held on January 9. For 2015, expect this event to be held as usual on January 9, 2015 which falls on a Friday.

Be aware that the Feast of the Black Nazarene celebration will begin on January 8, 2015 (Thursday) and continues until January 9, 2015 (Friday).

Many people believe that the Black Nazarene is indeed miraculous and devotees believe that whoever touched the Nazarene would be healed of their diseases. Every year, devotees from all over the country gather in Quiapo Church to witness this event and try their best to come closer and touch the image of the Black Nazarene.

What is the Black Nazarene festival?

The image of the Black Nazarene Festival is brought outside the streets of Quiapo for a procession and is placed in a golden carriage as it sweeps its way in its designated route for the year. Male devotees wearing maroon shirts lead this procession.

What is Black Nazarene?

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized, dark-colored, wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ which has came all the way from Mexico. This image has been known to be miraculous by the majority of people, especially its Filipino devotees.

Main Attractions – Black Nazarene

Procession of the Black Nazarene

On the morning of January 9, the streets of Quiapo are filled with millions of devotees who have travelled from every corner of Manila and nearby provinces to take part of the annual procession. Men in maroon shirts lead the parade as the devotees follow after the golden carriage which carries the image of the Black Nazarene.

Believing in the healing powers of the Black Nazarene, more and more people gather in this area in the hopes of finding cure to their illnesses. Some, who are not lucky to get near the image, throws a handkerchief or towel to those who are guarding the Black Nazarene and asks them to wipe their handkerchiefs in anticipation of carrying some of that power along with the handkerchief.

History of Black Nazarene

The Image of the Black Nazarene was brought to Manila by the Augustinian Friars on May 30, 1606. The Image was first housed in the first Recollect church in Bagumbayan (now known as Rizal Park).

In 1787, the Archbishop of Manila ordered the transfer of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church in Manila under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. The Image of the Black Nazarene was believed to be miraculous as it has survived from the great fire that destroyed Quiapo Church in 1791 and 1929. It has also gone through the great earthquakes and the destructive bombings in Manila during the World War II.  Through these, many people have believed in the Black Nazarene and devotees have been fastly increasing each year.

Interesting information about the Feast of the Black Nazarene

There are three annual processions where the Black Nazarene is brought outside for veneration – January 9 (Feast of the Black Nazarene), Good Friday and New Year’s Day. However, among these three processions, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is given the most emphasis.

Each year, the procession of the Black Nazarene makes it way along the streets of Quiapo district. Attendees of this event reach up to 6 to 8 million.

Recommendations

Heavy Traffic: With the procession of the Black Nazarene, expect heavy traffic on the day itself. Also, some roads might be closed which shall be used as the route of the procession. So, better look for an alternative route before leaving your homes as this is expected to last the whole day.

Leave your valuables: If you wish to take part of this religious event, better leave your valuables at home. As we mostly witness each year, millions of people gather to be a part of this event. Some people take advantage of the crowd which might lead to the loss of some important things such as cash, gadgets etc.

Useful Information

Date: The Feast of the Black Nazarene is as annual event which is usually celebrated on January 9. Expect it to be celebrated as usual on January 9, 2015 which is a Friday.

Location: Quiapo, Manila

Feast of Black Nazarene 2016

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is expected to b celebrated as usual on the 9^th of January 2016 which will fall on a Saturday.

How to get there:

From your location, ride a jeepney to the nearest LRT station and get off at Recto Station (the last station of LRT-2). Walk to the corner of CM Recto and Quezon Boulevard, where the big Isettan Mall is located. From there, you will see the Quiapo Church. Walk southward until you get to your destination.

Fee: None

Don't be shellfish...