The revered image of Jesus Nazareno was returned to its sanctuary at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Manila after a procession that lasted more than 20 hours. The procession, known as Traslacion, began at 4:41 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from Quirino Grandstand and concluded at 1:26 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, marking a total duration of 20 hours and 45 minutes. This year’s event was slower compared to the 2024 procession, which took just under 15 hours.
The Traslacion, a significant event in the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno, commemorates the transfer of the image from Bagumbayan to Quiapo Church 400 years ago. This annual event, held on January 9, attracts millions of devotees and is one of the largest religious gatherings in Southeast Asia. The Quiapo Church, however, notes that the exact historical date of the Traslacion requires further research.
This year’s celebration saw hundreds of thousands of Catholics participating in the ‘pahalik’ ritual and the procession. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported a successful event with no major incidents. NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin praised the effective traffic management, road-clearing operations, and handling of 1,403 medical cases, which ensured the procession’s smooth flow and the safety of the attendees.
Aberin highlighted the NCRPO’s commitment to a peaceful and orderly celebration, facilitated by robust security measures, crowd control, and a comprehensive information campaign across various media. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts with NGOs, the Manila city government, Quiapo Church, religious groups, and volunteers.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil commended the dedication of the police force, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees. Despite minor tensions early in the procession due to some devotees attempting to breach security, the PNP officers managed the situation professionally. Marbil emphasized the personal sacrifices made by the officers, who spent long hours away from their families to protect the faithful, reflecting the PNP’s commitment to serving and protecting the Filipino people.