As devotees are in line just to get a glimpse of the Black Nazarene, they ignored physical distancing and other preventive measures as they were advised many times to wear their head equipment properly and maintain their distance. For this year's Traslacion (translated to solemn transfer) which is the procession of the Black Nazarene from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church will not push through since the country is still prone to the coronavirus and health officials are keeping an eye on the new variant.
It is an annual tradition after the holidays where devoted Catholics gather at Quirino Grandstand in the early morning, jostling at each other barefooted either climb to touch, or wipe the image with their towels, or kiss the image, or help with the carriage to make it to its destination, and be blessed by the image of the Black Nazarene. With the pandemic, still, mass gatherings are not allowed and for the safety of the devotees, the image of Black Nazarene will be visiting key major landmarks around the City of Manila, and churches in Southern Luzon from December 30 to January 8 (for the full schedule, click/tap here to read more).
On January 9, the Feast Day of the Black Nazarene will be held in Quiapo Church at 4:00 a.m. 30% seating capacity will be allowed inside the premises, and monitors will be placed outside so others can watch the mass. San Sebastian Church & Santa Cruz Parish will also observe the celebration, and encouraging people to attend the mass from their community instead of going to Quiapo Church.
Sources:
Lead Image from https://www.thepinoytraveler.com/2016/01/quiapo-pista-ng-itim-na-nazareno-2016.html
