Faith Over Fear: ‘Traslacion’ 2021 Canceled Amid the Pandemic
It was a test of faith when the world welcomed 2020, especially for the Philippines. With the long list of unfortunate events during the pandemic, everyone was down on their knees, one way or another. But if there’s one thing that Filipinos can be proud of, they always choose faith over fear above all.
Faith, in Filipino culture, is often manifested through their devotion. It can be seen in their traditions and festivals. And every year on January 9th, the Feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated. This is one of the biggest and the first feast of the year.
Also read: Feast of the Black Nazarene, Traslacion Explained and How to Experience it
Traslacion /IMAGE from City of Manila official webiste
The feast is known for traslacion (to transfer), a procession of moving the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.
Devotees join the procession as a way of “panata” or vow for accepting miracles and signs of gratitude. However, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso announced last October 2020 that the annual traslacion for 2021 is canceled due to pandemic.
Also read: Feast of the Black Nazarene
Mahalagang anunsyo po, mga Batang Maynila. Napagkasunduan na po ng Manila LGU at Quiapo Church na walang isasagawang prusisyon ng imahe ng Itim na Nazareno para sa Traslacion sa darating na Enero.
Iwasan po muna natin ang mga parada at prusisyon ngayong may COVID-19 pandemic.
— Isko Moreno Domagoso (@IskoMoreno) October 22, 2020
“Important announcement for all Manilenyos. The Manila LGU and the Quiapo Church have decided that the grand procession of the Black Nazarene for the Traslacion in January will no longer push through. Let us avoid during this time these processions and parades because there is still the Covid-19 pandemic,” he announced via social media.
Also read: Expat’s Guide to the Feast of the Black Nazarene
The mayor believes that public safety should be prioritized.
“Our devotees may be put at risk. There are things that we can’t control but can be avoided. If thousands will attend and only one gets infected and then everyone gets too close to one another, perspiring, it is very dangerous,” he said.
Source: Philippine News Agency
Written by Cedie Salido
