Manila gov’t declares January 9 special holiday

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila City Hall declared Monday, January 9, a special holiday for Manileños in observance of the Black Nazarene feast.

According to Manila City Tourism chief Flordeliza Villasenor, classes and work in the Philippine capital are suspended due to the expected influx of devotees who will join the Black Nazarene procession or traslacion.

Manila City Hall to declare Jan. 9 a holiday in the city bec of Black Nazarene feast, says City Tourism chief Villasenor.@PhilippineStar

— evelynzmacairan (@EZMacairan) January 2, 2017

The concerned agencies said they are ready for the Black Nazarene procession. The theme of this year's feast is “Pag-ibig ang Buklod ng Ganap na Pagkakaisa.”

Penelope Belmonte of National Park assures devotees of their security on traslacion.@PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/hpSom5Q9Bt

— evelynzmacairan (@EZMacairan) January 2, 2017

Logo for Black Nazarene Traslacion 2017.@PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/cgyWBCvp4t

— evelynzmacairan (@EZMacairan) January 2, 2017

The traslacion will begin at Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park and will traverse along Manila until the Black Nazarene arrives at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church.

Penelope Belmonte, executive director of the National Parks Development Committee, advised those who will join the traslacion to avoid bringing kids. Msgr. Hernando Coronel of the Quiapo Church likewise said that if parent devotees intend to bring their children, they should bring an identification card with them.

"Dadagsa [kasi] ang tao, baka maiipit lang ang mga bata,” Belmonte warned.

Aside from Manila, a traslacion will also be held in Tagum and Cagayan De Oro.

Below appears the schedule of Black Nazarene feasts:

• January 2 to 6 – Barangay Visitation – 7 p.m.

• January 7 – Procession of the Replicas of the Black Nazarene – 2 p.m.

• January 8 – Fiesta Vigil at Quirino Grandstand Luneta

• January 9 – Eucharistic Celebration at Quirino Grandstand (Luneta) – 12 a.m.

• Hourly Eucharistic Celebration at Quiapo Church – 3 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• January 10 – Arrival of the Black Nazarene