Feast of the Black Nazarene

Every January 9 of each year is the Feast of the Image of the Black Nazarene. The center of the celebration is of course Quiapo Church in Manila City. This festival is perhaps the most popular festival in Metro Manila. According to newspaper reports, around 2 million people attended yesterday's celebration, the largest to date.

The Catholic Church in Quiapo is of course the home of the black image of the suffering Christ. The Quiapo Church is also called the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Here are some of the photos of the "Pista ng Poong Nazareno".


Quezon Avenue is filled with devotees, kibitzers, and media people.


Devotees have been waiting for many hours for the carriage to pass by.


Finally the carriage bearing the real (original) image is making headway inch by inch.


There is pushing and shoving to touch the rope (lubid) that is connected to the carriage. Devotees believe that by just touching the rope, their prayers would be answered. Hence by all means sinisiguro nila na mahipo man lang iyong lubid kahit minsan isang taon. Iyon ang kanilang "panata" which I would translate as "covenant".


This boy wants to touch the image with a white handkerchief. Well, would you literally step on others head and shoulders just to get what you want?


Tired but with faith renewed?


What does it feel to sit on the throne? and to have women as your disciples?


Business as usual. Make money while there is opportunity.