Every 9th of January, the streets of Manila become raging rivers of devotees clad in yellow and maroon, venerating a 17th century image of Jesus carrying the cross called the Black Nazarene.
The image was brought from Acapulco, Mexico to Manila in 1606, during the time of the galleon trade.
The ‘translacion’ procession is one of the most intense religious celebrations in the Philippines, where millions of barefoot devotees fight for a chance to touch the image or pull the ropes of the ‘carroza’, as it inches its way from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
HOW TO GET HERE: To get to Quiapo, alight at the LRT-1 Carriedo Station (PHP 15). Millions of devotees flock to Quiapo during the feast day. The best vantage point to safely watch and photograph the procession is on the Quezon Bridge above the Ilalim ng Tulay Market. Procession routes change annually. Check the route in advance to make sure the procession passes by this particular spot.
