LONGEST NAZARENO PROCESSION ENDS AFTER NEARLY 31 HOURS

Devotees try to get close to the glass-encased image of Jesus Nazareno during the annual Traslacion in Manila Jan. 10, 2026. Photo courtesy of EARL JERALD ALPAY

This year’s procession of the revered image Jesus Nazareno in Manila was the longest on record and drew the largest number of devotees in its history, a church official said Saturday.

The procession began at 4 a.m. on Jan. 9 and ended at 10:50 a.m. Jan. 10, running for nearly 31 hours.

Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Robert Arellano said the unusually long duration was largely caused by the sheer volume of devotees filling the 5.8-kilometer route.

“So far this is the longest,” Arellano said in a press conference Saturday, noting that crowd surges repeatedly slowed the movement of the revered image throughout the procession.

Church data showed about 9.6 million devotees participated in Nazareno 2026 activities, making it the highest recorded attendance since the annual devotion began.

The total figure includes participants in the Traslacion, Masses at the Quirino Grandstand, the nine-day novena, and other activities starting Dec. 31.

For the Traslacion alone, the Manila city government estimated 7.5 million participants, while the Quiapo Church Command Center recorded about 5.5 million.

Arellano said the discrepancy reflects differing methods, with church figures focusing on the procession and broader totals covering all Nazareno-related events.

Medical teams recorded 1,057 medical cases during the procession, most involving exhaustion, minor injuries and dehydration, according to church officials.

Four casualties were confirmed, which Arellano described as “among the higher figures” for such incidents.

“We ask everyone to pray for them,” Arellano appealed.

Despite the massive turnout, officials reported no major safety, security, or peace and order incidents during the event.

Asked if possible rough changes, including shortening the procession for next year, Arellano said it would require coordination with city government and partner agencies.

“It is a major decision that must be supported by relevant data and information,” he said. “The Quiapo Church does not decide on this alone… this is a collaborative decision,”  he added. CBCP NEWS