9.6 Million Faithful Converge for Black Nazarene Feast in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines, January 15, 2026 — Making it one of the largest religious gatherings in Asia, an estimated 9.6 million devotees took part in the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila, as millions of Filipino Catholics converged for days of prayer, penitence, and public expressions of faith surrounding the revered image of Jesus bearing the cross.

The highlight of the celebrations was the Traslación, the traditional procession commemorating the transfer of the image to Quiapo Church. This year’s procession lasted over 30 hours, marking the longest Traslación in recent history, as devotees followed the route from Quirino Grandstand through the streets of Manila.

Thousands of participants walked barefoot and wore maroon shirts as acts of penance and devotion, with many attempting to touch the rope or carriage carrying the image, believing it to be a source of healing and divine grace. The devotion reflects the deep-rooted faith of Filipino Catholics, for whom the Black Nazarene remains a powerful symbol of hope amid suffering.

During the Fiesta Mass, Church leaders highlighted the moral and social responsibilities of both citizens and leaders, linking faith with calls for integrity, justice, and accountability in public life. The homily resonated strongly with the faithful, underscoring the Church’s concern for the common good.

Extensive security and medical arrangements were put in place to manage the massive turnout, with thousands of personnel deployed along the procession route. Despite these measures, several devotees required medical attention due to exhaustion and injuries linked to the dense crowds and prolonged procession.

The Black Nazarene, a centuries-old statue believed to have been brought to the Philippines from Mexico in the 17th century, continues to draw millions each year. For many devotees, the annual feast is not merely a tradition but a profound encounter of faith, sacrifice, and collective Catholic identity.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Photo credit: Catholic News Agency