Manila suspends classes, work on Jan 9 for Black Nazarene feast

Classes at all levels in public and private schools in Manila are suspended on Friday, January 9, 2026, to allow citizens to participate in the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Work in local government offices in Manila is also suspended on the same day.

Essential frontline services such as those for peace and order, public safety, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction and management, and health services will continue to operate.

The city government has left the decision to suspend work in national government offices and private companies in Manila to their respective managements.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene, which began on December 31, 2025, culminates on January 9 with a procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

The annual celebration draws millions of devotees from across the country, with the 2025 Traslacion procession drawing 8.12 million devotees according to Quiapo Church.