Massive Turnout of Catholic Devotees at Black Nazarene Procession in Philippine Capital
Experience the awe-inspiring gathering of millions in the Philippine capital as devoted Catholics celebrate the revered Black Nazarene procession, marking its triumphant return after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic
Millions of Catholic worshippers filled the streets of the Philippine capital on Tuesday to commemorate the Black Nazarene, a long-standing religious practice that resumed following a three-year break because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Church officials reported that at least 6 million individuals crowded the 3.7-mile route as the black wooden representation of Jesus Christ was transported from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church in Manila.
The procession began before sunrise, around 4 a.m., and continued for 15 hours, according to church officials. The attendance was similar to pre-pandemic years, although the longest procession on record occurred in 2012, when the Black Nazarene took 22 hours to reach the church.
The Philippines is home to the largest Catholic community in Asia. Approximately 80% of its 110 million population are Roman Catholic, a tradition that dates back to over 400 years of Spanish colonial rule.
The Black Nazarene statue is paraded through downtown Manila.
Aaron Favila/AP
The procession honors the statue, which is believed by many Filipinos to possess miraculous healing abilities. Touching it or the ropes attached to the main float is thought to bring blessings to those who do so, or to their loved ones. It is also known as the Traslacion, or "transfer," signifying the Black Nazarene's relocation to Quiapo Church.
"I was incredibly overwhelmed. Earlier, I didn't even realize I had shed a tear, perhaps due to the sheer joy and excitement of witnessing the procession of the Black Nazarene," said Rizza Batarina, 35, in an interview with CNN affiliate CNN Philippines.
A sea of devotees dressed in maroon and red floods central Manila to venerate the centuries-old statue of Jesus.
Aaron Favila/AP
A young devotee hugs the statue of the Black Nazarene. The faithful believe the dark wood sculpture of Jesus has healing powers.
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
The Black Nazarene has its origins in 1606 when the statue of Jesus kneeling on one knee was brought from Mexico to the Philippines. The first confraternity devoted to the Black Nazarene was founded in 1620.
People watch the procession from their homes as the Black Nazarene statue passes by in Manila.
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In 1767, the popularity of the icon was recognized by Christian leaders when the Black Nazarene was moved to the Quiapo Church and its devotees followed.
Fr. Emilio Edgardo Quilatan, a church historian, debunked a popular legend about the darkening of the statue, explaining that it is made of Mesquite wood, which naturally darkens as it ages. He clarified, "It is not due to the candles of the devotees or because the ship that carries the image was burnt."
Huge crowds gather in Manila for the procession.
The Philippine Red Cross reported that despite this year's mostly peaceful procession, over 700 individuals required medical treatment for injuries, fainting, sprains, and vomiting. Police stated that approximately 3 million devotees participated in the final Traslacion procession prior to the pandemic in 2020, which spanned about 16 hours.
