Quiapo Church

Quiapo Church in Manila is one of the most popular churches. The present edifice of the Quiapo church was built when the earlier Mexican Baroque structure was burned in 1928.At the Quiapo Church of Manila the main attraction is the 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 Manila Quiapo Church is also called the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Many believe that praying before the statue brings cure from ailments. One would also find people doing penance by crawling on their knees from the entrance to the alter. The crowds come to light a candle in prayer to the Black Nazarene and to see their desires being fulfilled.

In the Manila Quiapo Church especially on Fridays there is large a gathering of devotees and even around the church one can find stalls that sells curiosities, amulets and herbal cures. The Quiapo Church Festival is held every year on January 9 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.

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. The Quiapo area is also a well-known place where one can find items ranging form electronics to handicrafts.

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