This year’s Traslacion, the annual procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno, is anticipated to be faster and smoother than last year, thanks to new measures aimed at improving the flow of the event.
Faster Procession Expected
According to Alex Irasga, technical advisor for the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, the procession could take less time if devotees refrain from climbing the andas (carriage) carrying the revered image.
“Last year, it took about 15 hours. We expect it to be quicker now because fewer devotees will climb the carriage compared to pre-pandemic years when over a hundred did so,” Irasga said.
He added that fewer than 30 devotees climbed the andas in 2024, and organizers are working to further reduce this number to less than 20 this year.
Route Familiarity and Safety Measures
With the route remaining the same as last year, organizers have become more familiar with the logistics, which they believe will streamline the procession.
Changes to the andas design aim to discourage devotees from climbing it. The formerly square front, which featured a flower-box-like structure, has been replaced with a flat, sloped surface at a 45-degree angle, making it slippery and difficult to scale.
Additionally, a sunroof has been added to address heat and ventilation issues.
“We installed glass for natural light during the day, two exhaust fans to reduce heat, and a sunroof to improve ventilation,” Irasga noted.
Attendance and Historical Context
Last year’s Traslacion drew an estimated 6.5 million devotees, making it one of the largest crowds in the event’s history. The procession lasted 14 hours, 59 minutes, and 10 seconds, with the image leaving Quirino Grandstand at 4:45 a.m. and arriving at Quiapo Church at 7:44 p.m.
The 2024 Traslacion marked the return of the traditional procession after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the last pre-pandemic event, over 3 million devotees participated in a 16-hour procession.
As millions of devotees prepare for the 2025 event, organizers are focused on ensuring a safe, efficient, and meaningful celebration.