Blessing of Black Nazarene replicas starts January 3, devotees flocking to Quiapo Church

Devotees have started to gather at the Quiapo Church on Wednesday for the first day of the Replica and Estandarte Blessing of the Black Nazarene.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on GTV's Balitanghali, that as of 11 a.m., devotees were seen lining up from Carriedo Street.

The blessing is scheduled until January 4, Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Quirino Grandstand is being prepared for the traditional "pahalik" (kissing or touching the image of the dark-skinned  image of Jesus Christ) on January 6.

Police are also closely monitoring the peace and order in the area.

Many devotees are expected to flock to the Quiapo Church ahead of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2024.

About 450 participants of the Hijos Del Nazareno (HDN) will participate in the Traslacion. Among these, Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (MBBN) has 150 participants, BASILICA with 120 and Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (NPJN) with 180.

Around two million people are expected to participate in the 2024 Black Nazarene feast.

To secure the activities, the PNP said around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed.

Over 5,600 personnel will be initially deployed along the route of the Traslacion or the procession of the 400-year-old image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.—Sherylin Untalan/RC, GMA Integrated News