Traslacion 2026 reflections: Faith that walked for 30 hours

Preparation is vital in achieving safety and public order objectives associated with a major event such as Traslacion, the procession of the Black Nazarene that is participated in by millions of ardent devotees in a predominantly Catholic country.

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Diann Calucin, our Manila Bulletin reporter, was covering the Traslacion for the fourth time last week and her top-of-mind observation is that “it could have been managed better” if it weren't for the fact that the preparations were evidently not as timely and comprehensive compared to previous years’ experience. She recalled that reporters assigned to do the coverage received briefings from the organizers in November and December, or several weeks before the big event — and not on the week itself.

She also observed that the andas or carriage used to carry and Black Nazarene was set up in a way that made it easier for the devotees, especially, the younger ones, to climb it. Yet, as told to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) by Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson for the Quiapo Church: “To prevent injuries, the andas has been modified to make it harder to climb by devotees of the Black Nazarene due to a steep and slippery feature in front of the carriage.” Moreover, a sunroof was used “to allow spectators from buildings to see the image during the procession while permitting natural light” to shine on the statue. The stainless metal components and wheels of the carriage were also reinforced to make it harder for the devotees to climb it.

Be that as it may, Traslacion 2026 will be remembered not only for its scale, but for its sheer duration. Stretching to an extraordinary 30 hours and 50 minutes, it has been described as the longest Traslacion in recent history. Faith was measured by endurance.

The Black Nazarene is not a distant, gilded symbol. He is a suffering Christ, darkened and scarred, borne by a people who know suffering intimately. The Traslacion’s length dramatized a collective willingness to stay the course—no matter how long it takes.