Malacañang declares Jan 9 special non-working holiday in Manila for Feast of Jesus Nazareno

Malacañang has declared January 9 a special non-working holiday in Manila for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno to ensure an orderly procession and manage traffic.

The declaration was made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upon the request of the city government.

Several activities are scheduled for the feast, including barangay visitations from January 1 to 6, and First Friday Masses on January 3.

The traditional pahalik (kissing of the image) will take place from January 7 to 9, followed by an overnight vigil and program on the evening of January 8 continuing into January 9.

On January 9, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over the midnight Mass before the Traslacion, a grand procession of the centuries-old image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

Millions of devotees are expected to attend the Traslacion, many attributing miracles to their devotion to the Nazarene, an image brought to the Philippines in 1606.