Nazarene replicas blessed at Quiapo Church, 30K attend

Devotees gathered at Quiapo Church in Manila on Thursday for the blessing of replicas of the Nazarene image, with around 30,000 participants present by 5 p.m.

Early arrivals walked barefoot along Carriedo and Carlos Palanca Streets, lining up as early as Wednesday evening to avoid heavy traffic.

The blessing ceremony took place at the base of the footbridge along Quezon Boulevard near the church, where replicas were decorated with flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Scheduled activities for the Feast of Jesus Nazarene include barangay visitations from January 1 to 6, the traditional pahalik from January 7 to 9, an overnight vigil on January 8, and a midnight Mass led by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on January 9 ahead of the Traslacion procession.

Hijos del Nazareno members assisted with guidance, while police maintained order during the event, and motorists were advised to take alternative routes due to traffic slowdowns.