Over 1.08 million devout Catholics congregated to honor the historic statue of Jesus Christ known as the Black Nazarene as it traversed the streets of Manila during the Traslacion 2024.

This event stands as one of the world’s most prominent demonstrations of religious fervor.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the Filipinos strong faith in God as he urged Black Nazarene devotees to :find a news sense of hope and purpose” in the Traslacion event.

“By working through our struggles and difficulties, we discover our inner strength and resolve, emerging form the pits of darkness and despair with a renewed sense of hope and purpose,” Marcos said in a statement.

“Beyond the extraordinary expressions of reverence that we see on display during the event, the festivities show us the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who willingly offered HImsrelf to make us whole once more,” the president stated.

. For many Filipinos, the Black Nazarene icon holds significant spiritual power as it strengthened their faith in God.

Some are convinced of its healing abilities. Touching the statue or its accompanying ropes is thought to cure previously incurable illnesses and bring blessings to individuals and their families.

Attendance at the procession is also seen as a way to invite good fortune for the entire year.

Despite light rain attempting to dampen the event, the devoted crowd stood firm, eager to witness the passage of the Black Nazarene or touch areas believed to bestow miracles.

Authorities, including over 15,000 personnel from the government and the Philippine Red Cross, were deployed to ensure security and maintain order throughout the estimated 16-hour slow procession.

The original wooden statue arrived in the Philippines in the early 1600s during the nation's Spanish colonial period. Local belief holds that its darkened appearance occurred after surviving a fire aboard a ship en route from Mexico.

Amidst the event, around 600 devotees received medical assistance for various minor and major cases. Six individuals were taken to hospitals due to head trauma, lacerations, and fractures. Additionally, a young pregnant woman was rushed to the emergency room and was expected to give birth there.

Leaders from Quiapo Church estimated that at least one million people participated in this profound religious ceremony.