Massive turnout as Black Nazarene parade resumes in Manila

Hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful converged on the streets of the Philippine capital on Tuesday to witness the historic procession of the Black Nazarene statue.

This event, one of the largest displays of religious devotion worldwide, marked the first traditional parade since 2020 after Covid-19 restrictions led to a significant downsizing of the event.

Chaos ensued as the feverish march commenced before dawn, following an open-air mass held for the revered Black Nazarene statue in a seaside park in Manila.

Many Filipinos, attributing miraculous healing powers to the icon, risked injury to touch it or the ropes attached to its float, believing it could cure previously incurable ailments and bring good fortune.

Barefoot devotees, undeterred by a light rain, clambered over others and clung to the clothes of guards protecting the icon, causing some to fall off the float.

Guards, in response, pushed unruly devotees to the ground to maintain order and ensure the procession continued towards its destination, Quiapo Church, covering several kilometers.

With more than 15,000 security and medical personnel deployed along the route, authorities estimated that over two million people would participate in the procession.

The atmosphere, charged with anticipation and faith, was palpable as the Black Nazarene made its slow journey through the crowded streets.

The original wooden statue, brought to the Philippines in the early 1600s during Spanish colonization, is believed by many to have acquired its dark color after surviving a shipboard fire en route from Mexico.

Despite no specific threats reported, authorities took precautionary measures such as blocking mobile phone signals to prevent remote detonation of explosive devices and imposing a no-fly and no-sail zone near the route.

For the first time, the icon was encased in glass, and participants were prohibited from getting on the float.

Nonetheless, some fervent devotees ignored the directive, desperate to wipe a towel on the glass in hopes of receiving a miracle.

As the procession unfolded, first-aid stations lined the streets to treat those suffering from heatstroke, abrasions, or other medical issues. In previous years, the event has taken up to 22 hours to finish due to the massive crowds, but this year’s scaled-down version aimed for a more streamlined experience.

“I believe that the Nazarene will give what we are all praying for—he will give everything,” expressed Renelinda de Leon, a 64-year-old participant, highlighting the deep faith and belief that characterized the atmosphere of the parade.

Tonton Ruz, one of the guards protecting the statue during its slow journey, expressed hope for a more peaceful event compared to previous years.

“Before, you can’t see him (the statue) with so many people on top of the float blocking the view,” remarked Ruz, reflecting on the challenges faced by security personnel in managing the massive turnout.