MANILA, Philippines — Millions of Catholic faithful are expected to descend upon the streets of Manila this week as church and city officials prepare for a record-breaking turnout for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson for Nazareno 2026, confirmed that organizers are bracing for a surge in attendance that could surpass the 8.4 million devotees recorded during the 2025 festivities.
“We don’t have a specific number, but the Church is ready to receive millions of devotees who wish to celebrate with us,” Arellano said.
A Test of Faith and Logistics
The centerpiece of the 10-day event is the Traslacion, a grueling, hours-long grand procession held on January 9. The event sees a sea of barefoot devotees in maroon and yellow scramble to touch the centuries-old black wooden statue of Jesus Christ, which many believe holds miraculous healing powers.
While the physical spectacle is world-renowned, Arellano reminded the faithful that devotion is measured by more than just physical presence.
“The effectiveness of prayer is not measured by being in Quiapo Church or at the Quirino Grandstand,” he noted, adding that sincere prayer from home is just as meaningful for those unable to join the throngs.
Infrastructure Safety Cleared
With millions expected to traverse the city’s aging infrastructure, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso addressed concerns regarding the safety of the procession route.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially certified four major bridges along the route as safe for pedestrian use:
- Quezon Bridge
- Carlos Palanca Bridge
- Ayala Bridge
- Arlegui Bridge 1
Engineers rated the structures in “fair” condition, noting that railings and barricades are secured. However, the DPWH issued a strict caveat: no vehicles will be permitted on these bridges during the procession to ensure structural integrity under the weight of the massive crowds.
Security and Health Measures
For Quezon Bridge specifically, officials noted that rehabilitation works are ongoing. Temporary shoring has been installed to support the structure, a move officials say meets all current safety and engineering standards.
As the Novena Masses continue, the city of Manila has entered a high-security phase, with thousands of police officers expected to be deployed to manage crowd control and emergency response.
The 2025 celebration saw a record-breaking return to full-scale festivities, and if the current projections hold, 2026 may set a new benchmark for one of the world’s largest displays of religious devotion.
