Beginner's Guide To The Black Nazarene Traslacion, Routes, Do's And Don'ts

The annual feast of the Black Nazarene, happening on January 9, is Manila’s longest-running urban traditional procession. It is not only a harmonious blend of Spanish and Filipino traditions, but also a conveniently condensed representation of local history, art, and culture.

WHAT IS IT?

Simply put,  the "Traslacion" is when the image of the black Senor Nazareno is to be carried by bare-footed devotees called the "mamamasan," around Manila and back to Quiapo Church.

The Black Nazarene is "black" because according to history, the image of the Senor Nazareno got damaged and got darker when the galleon carrying it from Mexico to Manila caught fire. Its original color was brown, painted by an unknown Mexican artist similar to his own skin.

The Black Nazarene was originally brought by the Augustinian Recollect friars to the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park) on May 31, 1606. It was later transferred to the Recollect Church of San Nicolas Tolentino in 1608. In 1787, the image was ordered transferred to Quiapo Church by the Archbishop of Manila Basilio Sancho de Santas Junta y Rufina, thus the "Traslacion."

In truth, only the body of the Black Nazarene brought out during the "Traslacion" is from the original statue. The original head is attached to a replica located near the altar of Quiapo Church.

The image is considered by many Filipino Catholics to be miraculous; its mere touch reputed to cure disease.

WHEN IS IT?

The 413th anniversary of the Black Nazarene, also known as “Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno” happens January 9, 2020. The day, called the feast of the Black Nazarene, must not be confused with the feast day of Quiapo Church which happens on June 24 -- the feast of John the Baptist.

THE ANDAS 

The image's wooden base is referred to as the peana while its carriage or carroza used in processions is called the Ándas (from the Spanish andar, "to move forward"). The term ándas commonly refers to the shoulder-borne palanquins of religious images and was retained for the icon’s carriage which replaces the palanquins used in processions up until the late 20th century.