Classes in Manila suspended for feast of Black Nazarene

MANILA, Philippines - Classes in all levels in Manila will be suspended on Friday, Jan. 9, for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

In a telephone interview yesterday with The STAR, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said police crowd control units will be deployed in critical areas like the City Hall during the procession of the Black Nazarene.

“We are mobilizing all hospitals, the entire Manila police force, doctors, City Hall’s engineering department and the garbage department to be in full force during the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” he said.

He will meet with Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, for preparations for the feast, Estrada said.

The traslacion or movement of the Black Nazarene is held yearly in Manila.

During the Feast of the Black Nazarene last year, devotees became unruly and tried to divert the procession from Jones Bridge to MacArthur Bridge.

Yesterday, at least 46 devotees of the Black Nazarene were reportedly given first aid while taking part in the annual thanksgiving procession in Manila.

Reports said 41 devotees were treated for hypoglycemia, while three had difficulty breathing and two suffered from sprains.

The devotees said they joined the   procession despite lack of sleep to thank the Lord for the their blessings.  

Devotees unable to get near the Black Nazarene contented themselves with throwing towels at the effigy that other devotees wipe on the image’s face before throwing these back to them.