Statue Of The Black Nazarene Leaves Quirino Grandstand. #Nazareno2017

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The popular Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the most significant festivals in Philippines, and is held on 9th of January as well as on Good Friday.

The feast is marked by one of the biggest processions in the whole country, and is observed in Manila, in a location known as Quiapo. The history of the feast can be dated back to the 17th Century. The statue of Jesus was brought to the country’s capital, Manila, in 1606.

Schedule and Activities for the Feast Of Nazarene.

Since Jesus was from Nazareth, and the sculptures carried were black in colour, the festival was aptly named Feast of the Black Nazarene. One of the most common features of this festival is the presence of devout locals walking barefoot. This, it is believed, is meant to show that one has embraced humility as a way of life.
Everyone within the vicinity of the procession attempts to touch the sculpture. This is a key facet of the feast as the locals believe that doing so will create the appropriate environment for a miracle. The tradition has been passed on from one generation to another ever since the sculpture of Jesus was delivered to Philippines in the 17th century.

One of the most interesting aspects about this festival is the use of a black wooden statue. Visitors often question this. The answer the locals will provide you with is that the ancient sculpture was transported from Mexico, and midway through the journey, a fire on board destroyed much of the cargo, yet the charred statue remained intact.

For anyone who would like to be part of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, it may help to see the statue at Quiapo Church (Saint John the Baptist Church) where it has been kept since its arrival.

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