Longest Traslacion ever

The annual Traslacion of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno drew an unprecedented turnout of devotees this year, with crowd estimates reaching 9.6 million people, and lasting for a remarkable 30 hours and 43 minutes, making it the longest in the history of the storied procession.

- DIANN CALUCIN, JEL SANTOS, and AARON RECUENCO

Chants of "Viva, Hesus Nazareno!" echoed throughout the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, as the image of the Jesus Nazareno was slowly brought in through its doors at 10:43 a.m. after a grueling 5.8-kilometer procession that started at around 4 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand.

Historic firsts

Authorities noted that, last year, over eight million devotees attended the Traslacion, which had lasted 20 hours, and 45 minutes.

The procession officially crossed the 24-hour mark at 3:59 a.m., making it the longest Traslacion in at least a decade.

That was just a few minutes before the procession stopped at the San Sebastian Basilica for the traditional "Dungaw", when the image of the Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian of the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian is brought out to view the image of the Jesus Nazareno.

It was at this point that church authorities announced a temporary halt to the Traslacion, which was another historic first. The procession resumed shortly after dawn.

4 dead, scores injured

As of late Saturday afternoon, the Quiapo Church reported a total of four persons who died in connection with this year's Traslacion.

Church officials said three of the fatalities died in the mayhem that accompanied the procession, and were believed to have been run over by the Andas. Two were found on Arlegui St., and another on Hidalgo St.

The church organizers also included the death of a photo journalist Itoh Son in the roster of fatalities.

Son reportedly collapsed and died of a heart attack while waiting for the start of the Traslacion at the Quirino Grandstand at dawn Jan. 9.

According to Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno Rector and Parish Priest Fr. Ramon Jade L.

Licuanan, church organizers are set to meet and make an assessment of what transpired in Traslacion 2026.