Feast of the Black Nazarene (Philippines)
The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a significant religious event celebrated on the second Tuesday of January in the Quiapo district of Manila, Philippines. This tradition dates back to the late 18th century and commemorates the arrival of a life-sized statue of Christ in 1606, which was brought from Mexico. The statue, made from blackwood and depicting Jesus carrying the cross, has been housed in Saint John the Baptist Church since 1787. During the feast, the statue is paraded through the streets on a gilded carriage, attracting thousands of devotees who believe in its miraculous powers. Many participants engage in the ritual of touching the statue, hoping for healing and miracles, with some even going barefoot as a symbol of humility. Handkerchiefs and towels are often used to wipe the statue, as adherents believe that doing so can cure ailments. This vibrant celebration is marked by deep faith and communal participation, reflecting the rich religious and cultural heritage of the Filipino people.
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Feast of the Black Nazarene (Philippines)
Feast of the Black Nazarene (Philippines)
This is a movable event.
Since the late 18th century, the Feast of the Black Nazarene has been celebrated on the second Tuesday of January in the Quiapo district of Manila in the Philippines. In 2001, the year used to determine the dates of movable events in this book, the feast took place on January 9. It commemorates the day in 1606 when a priest arrived in Manila with a life-sized statue of Christ which he had bought in Mexico. The figure was made of blackwood from Africa and depicted Jesus bearing the cross on his shoulders, his face streaked with blood. The statue has resided in Saint John the Baptist Church in Quiapo since 1787. On the occasion of the feast, the statue is carried throughout the streets on a gilded carriage. People come from all over hoping to touch it, for it is rumored to perform miracles and cure diseases. Many in the procession go barefoot as a sign of humility and try to rub the statue with handkerchiefs or towels, with which they wipe their diseased bodies in the hope that they will be healed.