Malacañang announced that January 9, 2025, will be a special non-working holiday in Manila. This is to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a religious event in honor of the Jesus Nazareno. The holiday was declared to ensure a smooth and safe procession for the millions of devotees who gather every year to honor the image of Jesus.
The annual celebration officially began on December 31 with the Walk of Thanksgiving, a prayer-filled procession around Quiapo Church. The main event happens on January 9, when thousands of people take part in the Traslacion. This is a grand procession where the 400-year-old statue of the Black Nazarene is carried from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church. People believe that participating in the procession or touching the statue will help fulfill their prayers or bring miracles.
To ensure public safety and order during the large event, more than 13,000 uniformed personnel, including 500 police officers, will be stationed around Quiapo Church. This is to manage the huge crowd and keep everyone safe during the festivities.
