Manila announces cancellation of Traslacion 2021

The grand procession of the Black Nazarene scheduled in January 2021 is canceled, Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso confirmed on Friday.

The decision was made during a meeting between Mayor Isko Moreno and Quiapo Church officials on Thursday afternoon.

"There is no harm in having none for a year or two. Because there still a hundred years, 50 years, 20 years, ten years, five years... to continue to practice 'yung pamana, 'yung kustumbre at 'yung pamamanata," Mayor Isko Moreno said.

He added that the cancellation of Traslacion 2021 was due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of a procession, Quiapo Church rector Monsignor Hernando Coronel said that more masses will be held to cater to the devotees.

Filipino Catholics believe that devotion to the image of the Black Nazarene can bring miracles as it has endured floods, earthquakes, fires, bombing during World War II, and granted the wishes of its devotees.

Words by Maria Luciyel Tumulak & Lorille Antoinette Mata

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