In preparation for the annual Traslacion procession on January 9, the organizers of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno have called on devotees to strictly follow the set guidelines to ensure a safe and orderly celebration. Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr., the rector of Quiapo Church, emphasized that compliance with these rules is crucial for the success of the ‘Nazareno 2025’ festivities. He stressed the importance of obedience in expressing faith, aiming to refocus the devotion on Jesus Nazareno himself.
The traditional ‘pahalik’ or veneration of the Jesus Nazareno image will commence at midnight on January 7 at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and will continue until January 9, even after the start of the Traslacion. The queue for the pahalik will be organized along Roxas Boulevard via Kalaw Extension, with oversight from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). While devotees are encouraged to sanitize and wipe the image, direct kissing of the Jesus Nazareno is discouraged to maintain safety.
For the Traslacion, participants are permitted to carry small, single-hand replicas of the Nazareno, along with transparent raincoats, shoes, small cameras, wheelchairs, single-seat portable chairs, small flashlights, small candles, clear plastic garbage bags, and waste bags. However, climbing onto the andas carrying the image, blocking the procession route, or tampering with the ropes attached to the andas is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, the carrying of medium to life-sized religious images, banners, andas, deadly weapons, pyrotechnics, drone cameras, selfie sticks, professional cameras, large bags, blankets, portable appliances, liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, stoves, and tents is not allowed. Other prohibited items include umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, smoking and vaping products, laser pointers, large metal objects, scooters and skates, vehicles and bicycles, heavy meals, plastic and glass bottles, food sticks, pets, and jackets.