For this year's event, an estimated 9 to 10 million devotees are expected to participate in a procession to celebrate the reenactment of the image's "Traslación" in 1787 (English: "passage" or "transfer"), or solemn transfer to the Minor Basilica from its original location in what is now Rizal Park.
Rooted in the 17th Century, the procession will parade the iconic image of the cross-bearing Christ in the streets of central Manila.
SAFETY REMINDERS
Know the route in advance and be there earlier than the rest. It's best to know the schematics of the location and the route of the procession so you can get a good spot.
Travel by Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Carriedo Station (the nearest station to Quiapo). There won't be available parking spaces for you (aside from the fact that it's not safe to park and leave your vehicle behind while you join the procession).
If possible, leave your valuables at home especially your cellphones. Mobile phone signals may be temporarily cut off during the event (for security purposes, they say).
Carry light and wear very comfortable clothes and shoes. Don't wear jewelry and don't bring with you expensive gadgets and devices. Do remember that crooks also join processions like these to victimize people.
If traveling with your family, make sure all the members have their respective identification cards with contact numbers in case of emergency.
Bring with you something too eat and drink like sandwiches, crackers, and refillable water.
Don't bring alcoholic drinks, illegal drugs or any weapons. Please be reminded that thousands of cops will be around during the whole event.
And lastly, know the locations of medical stations, police offices and other authorities within the location.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Unless otherwise changed for any reasons, the schedule of events will be as follows:
January 7, 2016
3:00 PM – Procession of all Black Nazarene replicas from various groups
January 8, 2016
1:00 PM – (Pahalik) Kissing of the replica of the Black Nazarene ( at the Quirino Grand Stand)
5:00 PM – Vespers
5:30 – 11:30 PM – Vigil Program the Quirino Grandstand
12:00 MN – Holy Eurcharistic Mass
Overnight Vigil at the Quirino Grandstand Luneta
January 9, 2016
12:00 MN – 6:00 AM – Vigil Continuation at the Quirino Grandstand – start of the Procession Route 2016
6:00 AM – Holy Mass then followed by the procession (Traslacion) of the Black Nazarene to from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church
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