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Witness the Black Nazarene Procession
Not yet published by Mera
Country: Philippines 
The Experience
Thousands of people flock to Quiapo for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Filipinos seem oblivious to the scorching heat as the Procession began the moment the door of the Quiapo Church opens and the sea of people start to yell: “Viva! Viva!”
I was in a carriage pulled by men wearing maroon shirts—devotees who believe that by pulling the Nazarene's carriage they will be blessed and their prayers will be answered. Most people who join the Procession are walking barefoot. They say it is a sign of humility to the Black Nazarene. Others wave their white towels as the statue passes by. There are some who throw their white towels at the people holding the Nazarene in the carriage. At first, I thought they did it annoy the people in the carriage, but then the people in charge of the Nazarene rubbed these white towels into the Black Nazarene’s body and threw them back to the owners. It is believed that these towels will now be able to perform miracles. According to businessmen, the passing by of the Black Nazarene in their area brings good luck in their business.
Every year, the Procession ends with injuries or deaths. That is why officials of the Nazarene Church decided to take a different route; a safer route. However due to superstitious beliefs, devotees pulled the carriage back on its original route.
I was amazed at the power of the Black Nazarene over the crowd. They say that the statue of the Black Nazarene was not originally black. The statue of the Black Nazarene is made out of Ivory. It only turned black after it was burned in the ship when a Spanish priest brought it to the Philippines.
The ability of the Black Nazarene to perform miracles may be one of the reasons why it attracts a lot of devotees. The mere fact that it is able to stand the test of time makes the faith of the people attracted to it even stronger. If you want to get the feel of Filipino tradition and spirituality then the Procession to the Black Nazarene is one of the many events that you will need to witness
I was in a carriage pulled by men wearing maroon shirts—devotees who believe that by pulling the Nazarene's carriage they will be blessed and their prayers will be answered. Most people who join the Procession are walking barefoot. They say it is a sign of humility to the Black Nazarene. Others wave their white towels as the statue passes by. There are some who throw their white towels at the people holding the Nazarene in the carriage. At first, I thought they did it annoy the people in the carriage, but then the people in charge of the Nazarene rubbed these white towels into the Black Nazarene’s body and threw them back to the owners. It is believed that these towels will now be able to perform miracles. According to businessmen, the passing by of the Black Nazarene in their area brings good luck in their business.
Every year, the Procession ends with injuries or deaths. That is why officials of the Nazarene Church decided to take a different route; a safer route. However due to superstitious beliefs, devotees pulled the carriage back on its original route.
I was amazed at the power of the Black Nazarene over the crowd. They say that the statue of the Black Nazarene was not originally black. The statue of the Black Nazarene is made out of Ivory. It only turned black after it was burned in the ship when a Spanish priest brought it to the Philippines.
The ability of the Black Nazarene to perform miracles may be one of the reasons why it attracts a lot of devotees. The mere fact that it is able to stand the test of time makes the faith of the people attracted to it even stronger. If you want to get the feel of Filipino tradition and spirituality then the Procession to the Black Nazarene is one of the many events that you will need to witness
When to Go
The best time to see the true strength of the devotion to the Black Nazarene, is on January 9th. The Procession is held at 3 p.m. and you will get a chance to see people from all walks of life united by their unwavering faith. The poorest of the poor walk together with the richest of the rich.
Traffic in Manila can be very irritating so expect the worst during the Procession. Devotees from all over the country, curious scattered cows, and tourists flock the place. Be sure to take care of your belongings as there is an ocean of people. In case you get sick, there are clinics that can be found within the area. Police also flock the place to make it more secure. Besides January 9th, the first Friday of each month can also be the best time to check out the Black Nazarene. It is the time of the month when thousands of its devotees go to the Nazarene Church. There are no processions on these Fridays.
You can also explore Quiapo as it is one of the major business areas in Manila. Explore the Neo-classical architecture of the old ancestral houses, and get a taste of the old Philippines by riding a “calesa” (horse-drawn carriage).
Traffic in Manila can be very irritating so expect the worst during the Procession. Devotees from all over the country, curious scattered cows, and tourists flock the place. Be sure to take care of your belongings as there is an ocean of people. In case you get sick, there are clinics that can be found within the area. Police also flock the place to make it more secure. Besides January 9th, the first Friday of each month can also be the best time to check out the Black Nazarene. It is the time of the month when thousands of its devotees go to the Nazarene Church. There are no processions on these Fridays.
You can also explore Quiapo as it is one of the major business areas in Manila. Explore the Neo-classical architecture of the old ancestral houses, and get a taste of the old Philippines by riding a “calesa” (horse-drawn carriage).
Odds n' Ends
January is the start of summer season in the Philippines. If you want check the procession of the Black Nazarene, I suggest you take little cash with you. Do not bring big bags as it will make it hard for you to move through the crowds, and will also make you the target of snatchers and thieves.
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