Philippine News Agency (PNA) photo by Yancy Lim.
The traditional “pahalik,” or veneration ritual, of the Jesus Nazareno image at the Quirino Grandstand will continue until 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, the Quiapo Church announced.
Church officials said the extension was prompted by the steady flow of devotees seeking to touch and kiss the sacred image.
“Our Rector, Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, observed the large turnout of devotees who wanted to get closer to the Jesus Nazareno,” a statement from the church read.
The extension aims to give more faithful the opportunity to participate, particularly as Friday is expected to draw even larger crowds.
During the pahalik, devotees are allowed to venerate the image through touching and kissing, continuing a long-standing tradition in the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In previous years, the ritual would usually end a few hours after the start of the Traslacion, the grand procession that returns the image to Quiapo Church.
Church authorities reminded devotees to maintain order and follow guidelines to ensure a safe and meaningful experience for all participants.
