Manila, Philippines, Jan. 9, 2017 (Lara Titan/ St. Peregrine Media Office) –  It is estimated that around 15 to 18 million devotees are expected to transfer the image of the Black Nazarene from Intramuros, Manila to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church today in celebration on the Feast of the Black Nazarene. For this year Catholic devotees held a fiesta vigil at Quirino Grandstand, Luneta on January 8 and a scheduled Eucharistic Celebration at the same venue by midnight before they commenced the traslacion.

The word Traslacion (is a Spanish term meaning “transfer”) is the term used to refer to the act of transferring the Black Nazarene from the church to another church. It is held annually every 2nd week of January, making this day an official non-working holiday throughout the city of Manila.

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized image of a dark-skinned, Jesus Christ carrying the Cross enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in the Quiapo district of the City of Manila, Philippines. Originating from Mexico, the Black Nazarene was carved from a dark wood in the 16th century and then transported to the Philippines. Another version of its roots was that originally the missionaries from Mexico bought a white image of Jesus with them for the journey to the Philippines. However during the trip, there was a fire on board and the icon, the Nazarene turned into black after being caught on fire. Despite being charred, the image was still kept and honored until to this day. The icon is renowned in the Philippines and is considered by many Filipino Catholics to be miraculous, its mere touch can cure any disease. Most in the crowd go barefoot as a sign of humility as they follow the statue.

This annual feast is considered as a truly Filipino experience.