President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has proclaimed January 9, 2024, Tuesday, as a special non-working day in the City of Manila to facilitate the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The City of Manila is gearing up to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, featuring the much-anticipated return of the Traslacion, the grand procession of the iconic image of the Black Nazarene.

“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,” Proclamation No. 434 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on January 4, stated.

This annual procession attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees, commencing at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and concluding at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, also known as Quiapo Church, situated on Quezon Boulevard.

In 2021, the grand procession was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last Traslacion occurred in January 2020, just two months before the Duterte administration enforced a nationwide lockdown in response to the pandemic.

To ensure the safety and security of the event, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced plans to deploy approximately 15,000 police personnel. During the final inter-agency meeting for the feast, authorities and organizers expressed optimism, anticipating the number of attendees to reach the pre-pandemic record of around 2 million.