So, what happens during the Traslacion? Nothing fancy or pompous; it’s a simple occasion in which the image of the Black Nazarene is paraded on a carriage from the Quiapo Church, then around nearby streets, and then back to the Quiapo Church again.

The statue of the Black Nazarene is believed to be miraculous, and it’s supposed that holding it or even just briefly touching the statue will bring good luck to a person or grant that person’s wish. As such, devotees will exert all effort just to touch the statue or hold the rope used for pulling its carriage.

It may sound like an ordinary event when told as a story, so you really have to witness the Traslacion for yourself to realize that it’s a frenzied occasion, with people literally using other people’s shoulders as ladders just to hoist themselves up to get near the statue of the Black Nazarene.

When viewed from a distance, the people look like ants who are all trying to get a piece of sweet treat. As can be expected, there are people who get hurt throughout the procession, but they just carry on because of their devotion.

On the other hand, if you are attending the Traslacion, you have to bring with you loads of patience because the procession is slow moving. The route of the Traslacion is filled with devotees, with some people even coming from the provinces just to witness it. 

With that, even if the procession starts early in the morning, the statue of the Black Nazarene reaches Quiapo Church early in the evening. Even so, the energy emanating from the crowd is palpable.

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