Feast of Jesus Nazareno preparations complete, devotees line up early

Preparations for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno were completed with devotees lining up ahead of schedule on Monday evening at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

Organizers and Quiapo Church rector Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr. urged devotees to follow guidelines for all activities leading up to the Traslacion procession on January 9, emphasizing adherence to rules for safety and organization.

The traditional 'pahalik' or veneration of Jesus Nazareno began ahead of schedule at around 8:05 p.m. Monday night, even though it was originally set to start by midnight, with church authorities officially opening the activity early due to an influx of devotees forming a line after Mass.

Manila Police District chief Brigadier General Thomas Ibay reported that around 300 people were observed at the venue in the first hour upon opening and swelled to approximately 600 before dawn, declining to less than 200 by morning but reaching an estimated 1,000 by 3 p.m., with peak crowds expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

Authorities have set up barriers along Kalaw Street with designated lines for devotees and deployed over 12,000 police officers alongside additional support from more than 2,000 personnel from various agencies to ensure safety during the influx of pilgrims.