Devotees started flocking to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the traditional "pahalik" which starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
According to Jonathan Andal's report on Super Radyo dzBB, several devotees lined up as early as 11 p.m. on Friday and have now been waiting for over 12 hours.
Devotees of different generations - kids, Gen Zs, and senior citizens - said it was part of their sacrifice for the occasion.
Others brought umbrellas and mats as they waited in the sunshine. Some also brought snacks and water.
Several roads in the area, particularly T.M. Kalaw, had been closed to traffic.
Meanwhile, authorities strengthened security in the area to maintain peace and order.
On Friday, Vonne Aquino reported on "24 Oras" that devotees would only be allowed to wipe their handkerchiefs or hand towels on the image as kissing the image of the Black Nazarene was still prohibited.
Despite this, many were still willing to make the sacrifice just to touch the image.
In 2021, the traditional pahalik was prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was changed to “pagpupugay” during which devotees were only allowed to look at the Black Nazarene. When the pahalik returned in 2023, devotees were allowed to touch the Black Nazarene using a towel or handkerchief.
On January 21, the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú will be celebrated.
The Grand Miracle Crusade - a annual weekend gathering from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church of the 429-year-old of the Child Jesus associated with a religious image of the Christ Child - is one of the traditional activities, along with the pahalik and the blessing of Santo Niño de Cebú replicas, of the feast.
Highlights of the three-day grand miracle crusade were the afternoon shows, music, prayer, and reconciliation opportunities at the vigil site, on the evening before the Santo Niño de Cebú the Eucharistic Adoration lasted for three a half hours, then on the last day of the gathering and the visit of the Pope was the Final Mass when the Pope concelebrated Mass with thousands of bishops and priests. At the end of the concluding Mass, the Pope announced the place where the next edition of World Youth Day would be held.
Ahead of the Traslacion, Manila Police District acting director Police Colonel Arnold Thomas Ibay told Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday that heavy traffic is expected as some roads will be closed from 9 p.m. of January 8 to January 9.
Daily walkthroughs are also being conducted along the Traslacion route to ensure there are no obstructions, such as unauthorized vendors, during the procession, Ibay said. — with Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News
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