The Feast of the Black Nazarene

This is the famous Quiapo Church in Manila, and it is the location of the world famous Black Nazarene. Every January 9, millions of devotees are visiting the church to participate in the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. I really mean millions, as you cannot just imagine the sea of people walking on barefooted under the scorching heat of the sun just to show their unparalleled devotion to the miraculous statue.

This picture simply reveals how these devotees are willing to sacrifice their time just to have a glimpse of the Black Nazarene. As you can see, majority of the devotees are wearing maroon shirts as the symbolic color of the Black Nazarene. These men and women came from different places, which include participants from other parts of the world. They believe that the miraculous statue has given them new life and hope to live.

This image definitely reveals how these dedicated people show their affection to the Black Nazarene. As soon as the carriage of the miraculous statue arrived, they dive, wave their hands and throw their towels and handkerchiefs to let the guides wipe them to the statue of the Nazarene. I was lucky to stay on top of a billboard stand with some of the reporters from different parts of world covering this momentous event in the Philippines. If you want to experience a superb celebration under the sun, mark the Feast of the Black Nazarene on your calendar.