In the heart of Manila, the annual Traslacion procession of the Black Nazarene reached an unprecedented milestone this year, stretching nearly 31 hours and drawing a record-breaking crowd. The event, steeped in centuries-old tradition and fervor, saw millions of devotees lining a 5.8-kilometer route, braving fatigue, logistical hurdles, and the unpredictable pulse of a massive crowd united by faith.
At 4 a.m. on January 9, 2026, the revered 400-year-old statue of the Black Nazarene departed from Quirino Grandstand, perched atop its iconic wooden carriage, or andas. For two days, a replica remained at the Grandstand for the pahalik, the ritual public veneration that marks the start of the festivities. The real image, meanwhile, would not return to its home at Quiapo Church—also known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno—until 10:49 a.m. on January 10, according to data from the church and the Nazareno Operations Center, as reported by The Philippine Star and Rappler.
This year’s procession shattered all previous records, clocking in at 30 hours and 49 minutes—far exceeding the 22 hours and 19 minutes set in 2017, and the 20 hours and 45 minutes from just last year. The turnout, too, was unprecedented: 9,640,290 people joined the festivities from December 31 through January 10, with over 2.8 million converging in Manila during the procession itself, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Despite a swift start, the andas’s journey was anything but smooth. The wooden carriage, newly modified by local jeepney manufacturer Sarao Motors with an added fourth wheel for stability, encountered significant mechanical issues. Ropes used to pull the carriage snapped, and the front wheels broke down, causing the andas to tilt forward and grind to a halt. For nearly 10 hours, it was stuck along an 832-meter stretch of Arlegui Street, as described by NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin. “We had a difficult time pulling the andas because, as you can see, it ran aground and got damaged,” Aberin told reporters.
Further complicating matters, throngs of devotees attempted to climb onto the carriage, a practice that not only slowed progress but also posed safety risks. Quiapo Church technical adviser Alex Irasga explained, “Unfortunately, more devotees were blocking the front of the carriage and trying to climb it. So if you notice, our carriage is already tilted toward the front. It isn’t running smoothly because of the weight of the people climbing aboard, in front.”
The NCRPO had initially hoped to limit the Traslacion to 10–12 hours, later adjusting the estimate to 15 hours. But the overwhelming devotion of the crowd, coupled with mechanical setbacks, made that target impossible. Some devotees, voicing their sentiments on social media, insisted that expressions of faith shouldn’t be rushed, underscoring the deeply personal nature of the pilgrimage.
As the procession reached San Sebastian Church just after 4:30 a.m. on January 10—already the 24th hour—the 10th annual dungaw took place. This ritual, a symbolic meeting of Jesus Nazarene and the Virgin Mary as Nuestra Señora del Carmen, was performed from the balcony of the century-old steel church. During this pause, Quiapo Church rector Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan made a heartfelt appeal to the faithful: “The best option stressed during the meeting was to place Jesus Nazarene temporarily in San Sebastian Parish… I explained to them the practical consideration and the spiritual side of it, that the Son will finally have time to stay with his mother.” Licuanan cited the exhaustion of volunteers, medical, and police personnel, suggesting a temporary rest before continuing.
However, the crowd’s determination prevailed. Despite appeals for a pause, many devotees—members of various balangay or Jesus Nazarene chapters—insisted on pushing forward. As reported by Rappler, the Department of Health had flagged growing fatigue among medical teams, influencing the decision to let the image rest at San Sebastian. Still, as the massive crowd surged, the procession pressed on toward Quiapo Church.
The scale of the event brought not only spiritual highs but also logistical and health challenges. Organizers confirmed two fatalities linked to the Traslacion and attended to approximately 1,700 medical cases during the procession. A final press conference was scheduled for the afternoon of January 10 to provide further details on casualties and recommendations for future events.
Behind the scenes, over 18,000 police officers were deployed to ensure security and crowd management. PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. praised the force’s endurance and adaptability: “This is the longest Traslacion so far, and this is an impressive show of faith and devotion of millions of Filipino devotees. I commend all our commanders and personnel on the ground, not only for successful implementation of security measures, but also for the excellent real-time adjustment of security plans that all led to the peaceful and meaningful Traslacion.”
Yet, with such massive gatherings come environmental concerns. The EcoWaste Coalition lamented the “uninhibited littering” that followed the event, noting piles of boxes, plastic tarpaulins, food packaging, cigarette butts, and even PET bottles used for urination left across Rizal Park and Quiapo. “Our repeated pleas for a waste-free conduct of Traslacion have gone unheeded… However, we also witnessed some commendable acts that have helped in preventing and reducing the fiesta trash and pollution. We remain optimistic that the situation will change in future Traslacions,” said Ochie Tolentino, the group’s Zero Waste campaigner.
There were, however, glimmers of hope. The Manila Department of Engineering’s use of certified lead-safe paints, the avoidance of plastic banderitas at Quiapo Church, and the implementation of eco-friendly coconut cloth banners were all seen as positive steps. Water dispensers in some barangays and the active collection of PET bottles for recycling were also praised.
As the gates of Quiapo Church finally closed behind the Black Nazarene after nearly 31 hours, Fr. Licuanan addressed the crowd from the balcony, echoing a familiar Filipino saying: “No matter the length of the procession, it all ends at the church!” He reminded the faithful, “This is God’s reminder that no matter where we go in life, left, right, or stumbling down, God’s open arms are waiting to accept us because our Lord Jesus Nazarene is God of mercy.”
Looking ahead, questions linger about how future Traslacions might adapt to growing crowds, logistical hurdles, and the call for greater environmental stewardship. As Fr. Robert Arellano, Nazareno 2026 spokesman and Quiapo Church parochial vicar, put it, any changes “need to be supported with relevant data and information with help from local and national government agencies.” For now, the 2026 Traslacion stands as a testament to enduring faith, collective resilience, and the complex realities of a tradition that continues to evolve with each passing year.
