Photo courtesy of Joan Bondoc, Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Thousands of devotees gathered at Quiapo Church on Sunday to attend the first Mass of the year, ahead of the annual Black Nazarene celebrations.
The feast, which runs from January 7 to 9, draws worshippers from across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Manila authorities reported a steady rise in foot traffic as churchgoers arrived early for the morning service.
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) noted that the crowd reached around 8,000 by mid-morning, according to the Manila Police District.
Quiapo Church houses the venerated image of the Black Nazarene, the centerpiece of the city’s highly anticipated annual procession.
The traditional Traslacion commemorates the transfer of the image from its original Rizal Park shrine to Quiapo Church in 1787.
Officials are coordinating security and crowd management in preparation for the main procession on January 9, when devotees will walk from the Quirino Grandstand back to the church.