Quiapo, Manila

Feast of the Black Nazarene

A Spectacle of Faith and Devotion

PUBLISHED August 15, 2016

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

The Nazareno Festival in Manila is a grand religious event held every January 9th, drawing millions of devotees to the Traslación, a solemn yet electrifying procession of the Black Nazarene. This centuries-old tradition showcases Filipino Catholic devotion, as barefoot pilgrims seek blessings, healing, and miracles. Visitors can witness a powerful expression of faith, capture stunning photographs, savor local delicacies, and explore historic sites like Quiapo Church and Intramuros. Travelers are advised to arrive early, dress comfortably, and secure their belongings. The festival is a must-experience cultural phenomenon in the Philippines.

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The Feast of the Black Nazarene, celebrated annually on January 9 in Manila, Philippines, is a profound manifestation of Filipino Catholic devotion. This event centers around the veneration of the Black Nazarene, a life-sized, dark-skinned statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, enshrined in the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, commonly known as Quiapo Church.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

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ABOVE: The Nazareno Festival in Quiapo, Manila, on January 9th, sees millions of devoted people join the Traslacion procession to honor the Black Nazarene, with some carrying replicas of the statue from their barangays, believing it can cure sickness, heal diseases, and grant their wishes.

Originally housed in a church inside Intramuros, the image was later transferred to Quiapo Church in 1787 upon the orders of then-Archbishop Basilio Sancho de Santas Justa y Rufina. This event marked the beginning of the tradition known as the Traslación, the grand procession commemorating its transfer. Despite numerous calamities, including fires and earthquakes, the image has remained intact, further reinforcing the belief in its miraculous nature among devotees.

Quiapo Church: A Religious and Cultural Landmark

Quiapo Church, officially known as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, is one of the most prominent Catholic churches in Manila. Located in the heart of the bustling Quiapo district, it serves as the permanent home of the Black Nazarene and is a significant pilgrimage site for millions of Filipino devotees.

ABOVE: In different parts of Manila, especially in Quiapo, people walk barefoot and carry replicas of the Black Nazarene statue from their barangays all the way to Quiapo Church as an act of devotion, believing that the saint will grant their wishes.

The church traces its origins to the 16th century when Spanish missionaries established the original structure. Initially built with bamboo and nipa palm, the church underwent several reconstructions due to fires and natural disasters. The present edifice, completed in the 20th century, features Baroque architecture with intricate carvings and ornate details, reflecting the rich Spanish colonial influence in the Philippines.

Beyond housing the Black Nazarene, Quiapo Church is also famous for its Friday Novena, a weekly devotional practice where thousands of devotees gather to pray, seek miracles, and give thanks for answered prayers. This tradition has solidified Quiapo as a spiritual haven, drawing people from all walks of life to seek solace in the presence of the sacred image.

For tourists and visitors, Quiapo Church is a must-visit destination not just for its religious significance but also for its historical and cultural relevance. The surrounding district is a lively marketplace filled with local delicacies, herbal medicine stalls, fortune tellers, and souvenir shops that offer an authentic Manila experience.

Pontifical Approbations

The veneration of the Black Nazarene has received multiple Pontifical approbations, recognizing its importance in Filipino Catholic devotion. Over the years, various Popes have acknowledged the deep faith of devotees and granted special spiritual privileges to those who participate in its veneration.

On April 21, 1650, Pope Innocent X granted the first Papal Indulgence to those who pray before the image of the Black Nazarene, affirming its religious significance. In 1880, Pope Leo XIII conferred canonical status to the Confraternity of the Black Nazarene, further formalizing its role within the Catholic Church.

A significant moment in modern times came on December 27, 2004, when Pope John Paul II elevated Quiapo Church to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, recognizing its importance as a national shrine. More recently, Pope Francis acknowledged the deep spiritual significance of the Black Nazarene during his 2015 visit to the Philippines, referring to it as a symbol of Christ’s suffering and resilience.