In a move to promote hygiene during the religious festivities, a Quiapo Church official has advised devotees participating in the ‘pahalik’ ritual at Quirino Grandstand in Manila to refrain from kissing the revered Jesus Nazareno image. Instead, they are encouraged to simply touch and wipe the image with a handkerchief or towel. This guidance comes from Fr. Robert Arellano, the spokesperson for Nazareno 2025, who emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of diseases like flu, cough, and colds during this season.
The ‘pahalik’ is a significant part of the week-long celebration leading up to the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, scheduled for January 9. Due to the overwhelming number of devotees, the activity, originally set to commence at midnight on Tuesday, was allowed to start earlier on Monday evening.
The festivities will continue with a countdown to the Holy Mass and the start of the annual procession of Jesus Nazareno, beginning with an overnight vigil on Wednesday. Additional events include a band parade, youth programs, and community prayers at the Quirino Grandstand. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula is set to lead the Fiesta Mass at midnight on Thursday, followed by the continuation of the overnight vigil until the start of the Traslacion procession early Thursday morning.