Palace: Jan. 9 a holiday in Manila

President Marcos has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in Manila to allow its residents to join the traslacion of the Black Nazarene.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

The holiday declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 434 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of Marcos yesterday.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration," the proclamation read.

The Black Nazarene is an image depicting a dark-skinned Jesus carrying a cross. It depicts the sufferings endured by Jesus before He was crucified in Calvary.

According to the website of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, the traslacion commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from Recollect Church in Intramuros to its present shrine in Quiapo. The transfer was done over 400 years ago and the Church commemorates it annually every Jan. 9, the website said.

"Famous for its spectacular view of millions of people gathering in one religious event, the traslacion of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno is considered one of the biggest Filipino fiestas known in the whole world," it added.

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