Every year, millions of Catholic devotees flock to the streets of Manila for the 12-hour Traslación (or transfer) of the Black Nazarene from Intramuros to Quiapo Church. The image of the dark-skinned Jesus is said to bring miracles and healing powers.
Final preparations for the actual procession on Jan. 9 are already underway with several road closures across Manila taking effect as early as Jan. 7. Plan your routes ahead of time with this schedule released by the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit.
Jan. 7, 11:00 a.m. onwards
- Southbound lane of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo), from A. Mendoza/Fugoso to Plaza Miranda
- Westbound lane of España Boulevard from P. Campa to Lerma St.
Jan. 8, 10:00 p.m. onwards
- Katigbak Drive and South Drive (one lane accessible to Manila and H2O Hotel)
- The northbound lane of Quezon and MacArthur Bridge, from Bonifacio Shrine onwards
- Taft Avenue, from Ayala Boulevard to Bonifacio Shrine
Jan. 9, 12:00 a.m. onwards
- Stretch of MacArthur Bridge, Jones Bridge, and Quezon Bridge
- Roxas Boulevard from Katigbak Drive to T.M. Kalaw Street
- Both lanes of Quezon Boulevard, from A. Mendoza/Fugoso Street and Espana Avenue/P. Campa Street (southbound), and Taft Avenue/Ayala Boulevard (northbound)
The police emphasized that the “closure of some streets will be in effect as the procession approaches and will be opened immediately once the tail end of the procession passes.” Check out the full traffic advisory here.
Moreover, there will be no telecommunication signals during the procession in some parts of Manila as part of the police’s security measures. The National Telecommunications Commission has yet to release the details.
Header image courtesy of Grig C. Montegrande, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Read more:
A basic guide to understanding the Black Nazarene
What happened after Traslacion? 15 truckloads of trash
The Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion church in Bulacan is now a heritage site
Writer: JILL CHUA
