Fiesta of the Black Nazarene

The Fiesta of the Black Nazarene has a history behind it and that dates back to 18th century. Black Nazarene that is a dark hardwood statute of Jesus that was made by a Mexican craftsman and brought from Mexico in the 18th century. The Black Nazarene in the Quiapo Church was blackened when during the journey to Manila there was a shipboard fire.

The Quiapo Church Fiesta of Black Nazarene (where the Black Nazarene statue is kept) is held every year and the male devotees take out the Nazarene into the narrow streets. Thousands attend the procession so as to get a glimpse of the image if not touch it. This is a popular event in Manila that draws crowds from all across the country.

During the Manila Fiesta of the Black Nazarene the church places the statue on a glided carriage that is pulled through the streets. The devotees throw towels to the people who guard the statue that is then given back after rubbing on the statue. The crowds during the procession of the Fiesta of the Black Nazarene walk barefooted. The devotees expect miracles, healings and cleansing of sins as they touch and be with the statue of the Black Nazarene. As the processions continue some of them fall unconscious and have to be rushed to the hospital.

The Fiesta of the Black Nazarene in Manila is the largest procession that takes place on 9th January and is truly Philippine. The Quiapo Church reflects the long standing traditions that has been brought by the colonial masters and now has become an integral part of the culture in Manila.

AsiaRooms provides information on Fiesta of the Black Nazarene, Manila and for further information check the other web links of AsiaRooms