By Dhel Nazario

Thousands of devotees chanting “Viva! Nazareno!” joined the annual Traslacion of the image of the Black Nazarene which began before dawn at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

Devotees believe that coming in contact with the image—touching it by hand or wiping it with a towel—can cure even the most severe illnesses. Some, however, joined the procession as a way of showing their gratitude to the Black Nazarene for all their blessings.

The transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene to its “andas” or carriage by the “Hijos” was accomplished without a hitch unlike in the past when devotees would surge towards the image to touch it even before it gets placed on its carriage.

More than four hours after leaving the Quirino Grandstand, the carriage of the Black Nazarene has only made past two of its 25 routes (Quirino Grandstand and Katigbak Drive thru Padre Burgos St.) before arriving at the Quiapo Church.

Devotees, however, remarked at the quick pace of the procession and how the carriage swiftly made its way out of the huge sea of people at the Katigbak Drive at the Manila Hotel before it trudged on Padre Burgos Street.

As of 10 a.m., the carriage went past the Manila City Hall where many of the devotees were waiting to join the procession. Passing through the narrow Padre Burgos street contributed to the slower movement of the carriage. Other devotees even went over the Intramuros golf course fence to rest and avoid the narrow stretch of the Manila City Hall.

As of this writing, the carriage is slowly making its way to Jones Bridge—at Plaza Lawton just in front of Park and Ride.

“Kapag maluwag po kasi yung daan, mabilis sya, pero pag masikip talagang bumabagal siya,” one devotee said.

The Philippine Red Cross have recorded that most of the injuries were foot abrasions from devotees who tried to get close to touch the image of the Black Nazarene. Several devotees also fainted, mostly women who were mainly in the middle of the procession.

First-aid services and Red Cross volunteers are stationed at the path of the procession complete with spine boards and other medical equipment in case of any medical emergency.

Members of the Manila Police District and National Capital Region Police Office police officers are also deployed in the area including members of the Philippine Army to ensure the safety of the devotees and maintain peace and order.

The image is expected to arrive at the Quiapo Church at 2:30 a.m.