Hundreds of thousands of Filipino devotees flooded the streets of Manila on Friday to participate in the annual procession of the Black Nazarene, one of the world’s largest displays of Catholic faith. This year’s event also served as a platform to voice criticism of corrupt officials in the Philippines, a nation still grappling with a high-profile graft scandal involving unbuilt and overpriced flood mitigation projects.
The life-sized statue of Jesus Christ, depicting him half-kneeling and carrying a wooden cross, dates back to at least the 17th century and was brought to the Philippines from Mexico during the galleon trade under Spanish colonial rule. Devotees traditionally believe that touching the glass-encased image brings blessings and can heal illnesses.
By 8 a.m., organizers estimated that around 439,000 people had already joined the procession, which is expected to swell as the route progresses. Participants jostled for the chance to pull the thick rope towing the carriage, while others reached through the crowd to touch the statue. Nearly 80% of Filipinos identify as Roman Catholic, and the event is a major annual religious gathering.
This year, influential Church leaders seized the occasion to issue pointed messages to the political establishment. Bishop Rufino Sescon, former parish priest of the Quiapo Church—the custodian of the Black Nazarene—called on officials to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ. “Have mercy on the nation. You should be ashamed; step down voluntarily for the sake of mercy and love,” he said during his homily, without naming specific politicians.
The procession, known as the “traslacion,” commemorates the transfer of the Black Nazarene from a church in the old Spanish capital of Intramuros to its present location at the Quiapo Church. Beyond its religious significance, the event has become a moment for Filipinos to reflect on societal values and hold leaders accountable amid ongoing political controversies.
