Quiapo Church Fiesta 2023: Feast of the Black Nazarene Schedule of Activities

Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023 Schedule of Activities, Safety Reminders, and Procession Route

The Black Nazarene carries it all, whether it is a child’s heart filled with hope or a businessman’s smile at the promise of success. It has been traditionally known for granting wishes. It is so intimately woven into Filipino life that even Filipinos who have never witnessed the procession make wishes to the Black Nazarene.

Every year on the 9^th of January, thousands of devotees make a pilgrimage to the Santo Cristo Milagroso (Miraculous Holy Christ Statue), located in Quiapo, Manila. The Traslación is the name given to this procession. It was not permitted during the two years of following COVID-19 health protocols. However, it is anticipated that the Traslación will take place again in 2023.

The Black Nazarene is a statue of Jesus Christ made by an unknown Mexican woodcarver in the 16th century and brought to the Philippines in 1606. It was moved to different churches until it was settled in Quiapo Church in 1787, now Manila’s one of the most important Catholic shrines. The statue depicts Jesus carrying his cross on the way to his crucifixion.

The Black Nazarene’s procession originated from reenacting the statue’s transfer from its original location in Intramuros (the walled heart of Old Manila) to its present site at the Quiapo Church back in 1787. The longest duration of the procession in recent years has been approximately twenty (20) hours.

January 9, 2023, will be a memorable day in history. It marks the next Traslación after 2 years of being in the pandemic. This time, stricter safety precautions shall be followed. Health protocols shall still be applied to minimize any unfavorable circumstances.

How to get to Quiapo Church

If you wish to reach Quiapo Church, the LRT1 or LRT2 will be your best option, as Quezon Boulevard will be inaccessible.

• Via LRT1 – get off at Recto Station, then walk towards Quiapo Church from Claro M. Recto.
• Via LRT2 – get off at Carriedo Station or Central Station, and then walk towards Quiapo Church

2023 Feast of the Black Nazarene Schedule of Activities

As the procession is a traditional one and religious in nature, various activities are to be expected before, during, and after.

• Dec. 1-15 and Dec. 27-29 – Pagdalaw Schedule
• Dec. 27-29 – Pagbabasbas Replica + Istandarte (in Carriedo)
• Dec. 30 – Thanksgiving Motorcade

Mass at the Quirino Grandstand

• Jan. 7
  12:01 a.m. – Misa Para sa Deboto
  6:00 a.m. – Misa para sa mga Tagapangasiwa
• Jan. 8
  12:01 a.m. – Mass
  Walk of Faith (AM, to be announced)
  Vigil (PM, to be announced)
• Jan. 9:
  12:01 a.m – Mass

Meanwhile, below is the schedule for the Misa Nazareno:

• Novenario: 5 a.m. – 10a.m.; 12:15 Novena; 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Biyernes:  4 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sabado: 5AM – 7PM
• Linggo: Regular Mass and Fiesta Mass 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Kapistahan: 12 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Traslacion Route 2023: Feast of the Black Nazarene Procession Route

There will be no Traslacion for 2023.

Road closures for the Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023 as per Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB):

January 6 (10pm) to January 9, 2023

• Stretch of Katigbak Drive
• Stretch of Independence Road
• Stretch of South Drive
• Northbound and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard

January 7 (7pm) to January 9, 2023

• Northbound and southbound lanes of Quezon Boulevard from A. Mendoza/Fugoso to Quezon Bridge straight to Padre Burgos (Park n’ Ride)
• Westbound and eastbound lanes of España Boulevard from P. Campa to A. Mendoza
• Stretch of Evangelista Street from Plaza San Juan to C.M. Recto Avenue
• Stretch of Raon Street from Quezon Boulevard to Evangelista
• Stretch of Carried0 Street From Rizal Avenue to Plaza San Juan
• Stretch of C. Palanca Street from MacArthur Bridge to Quiapo Ilalim (Quinta Market) straight to P. Casal
• Stretch of Bustos Street from Plaza Sta. Cruz to Rizal Avenue
• The northbound lane of Rizal Avenue from Carriedo to C.M. Recto Avenue
• The northbound lane of MacArthur Bridge
• Eastbound and westbound lanes of C.M. Recto Avenue from Rizal Avenue to Nicanor Reyes Street
• Stretch of Nicanor Reyes from España Boulevard to C.M. Recto Avenue

#WalangPasok: Manila suspends classes, work Jan. 9

The Manila City government recently announced that work and classes in Manila are suspended on Jan. 9 in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The city also announced that a liquor ban will be imposed for three days from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9.

Recommended Hotels in Quiapo, Manila, during the Festival of the Black Nazarene 2023

Because of its convenient location, City State Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Quiapo, Manila. It has one directly across from the Quiapo Church. Another City State Hotel is located near Hidalgo Street and the Carriedo LRT Station, directly across from SM Carriedo.

• Citystate Hotel Quiapo – located right beside Quiapo Church (book online). Address: 475 Quezon Blvd. Cor. P. Paterno Quiapo, Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
• Citystate Hotel Palanca – in front of SM Carriedo (book online) Address: C. Palanca Sr. St., (near Hidalgo Camera Shops), Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines.

Public Safety Tips

The Philippine National Police is expected to send out many officers to maintain peace and order during the religious festival. Paramedics are always on call for those who require medical attention.

As previously stated, mobile phone coverage will be cut in the area, and the entire route may be declared a “no-fly zone,” which means drones and other flying devices will be prohibited.

The Traslacion is one of the country’s largest religious events, and with such a large crowd, it’s always best to plan ahead of time so you can enjoy it and keep yourself and others safe.

Black Nazarene Festivities Safety Reminders

• Wear your mask and practice social distancing.
• Keep all of your valuables at home. If you cannot leave them, ensure that your cell phones are properly secured. For security reasons, mobile phone signals are sometimes turned off in the area.
• Inform your family. Before you leave, make certain that your home is properly secured. Make sure that all electrical devices are unplugged.
• Bring your own water and stay hydrated.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Bring an ID with the contact information of your family members in case of an emergency.
• You should be physically fit. If you are not, do not take a risk and stay at home.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.
• For photographers, check the procession route and ask other experienced photographers for vantage points.

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