MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of Catholic faithful gathered at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno on Saturday for the traditional blessing of Black Nazarene replicas, signaling the start of the final week of preparations for the 2026 Traslacion.
The blessing ceremony, which began at 1:30 p.m. at the Quezon Boulevard footbridge, saw approximately 2,000 replica images and banners (estandartes) brought by various “balangay” groups and individual devotees. Most Rev. Dave Dean Capucao, D.D., led the rite, sprinkling holy water on the icons as they were paraded through the streets of Quiapo.
According to church officials, 513 affiliated balangay groups, comprising roughly 13,000 members, participated in the event. The ceremony is a significant milestone in the 10-day celebration, which this year carries the theme “Dapat siyang tumaas at ako naman’y bumaba” (He must increase, but I must decrease).
To manage the heavy foot traffic, the Quiapo Church administration established three specific entry routes leading to Plaza Miranda. Manila authorities also enforced a “zero-vendor” policy along Villalobos Street and Estero Cegado to ensure the smooth flow of the procession.
Alex Irasga, a technical adviser for the church, reiterated the advice for devotees to have their replicas blessed today so they do not need to bring them during the main Traslacion on January 9. Church leaders explained that excluding smaller replicas from the grand procession helps maintain the flow and safety of the millions expected to join the walk from Quirino Grandstand back to the basilica.
The festivities will continue with a special Mass for volunteers and government personnel at the Quirino Grandstand on January 7, followed by the “Pahalik” (the kissing of the image) before the culminating grand procession on Friday.