TARLAKENYO (Jan. 10, 2026) – The annual Traslacion of Jesus Nazareno in Manila once again transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of faith, breaking its own records and making unexpected history in 2026. But the profound Filipino devotion to Poong Hesus Nazareno was not confined to the capital, resonating powerfully in local celebrations across the nation, including here in the Diocese of Tarlac.
A Record-Breaking Journey of Millions
This year’s procession, carrying the dark, life-sized image of Jesus bearing the cross, etched itself into the annals of the centuries-old tradition. With the theme “Dapat SIYANG TUMAAS, at Ako nama’y bumaba” (He must increase; I must decrease. – John 3:30), the Traslacion lasted a staggering 30 hours and 50 minutes—the longest in the past decade, surpassing the 22-hour record of 2017.
The scale was monumental. Data from Philippine National Police, Quiapo Church, and City Government of Manila estimated that a historic 9.6 million devotees joined the journey from January 8 at 3 PM to January 10 at 10 AM, from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, a sea of humanity moving in faith and fervor.
Faith Beyond Images, A Call for Reverence
Amidst common criticisms from other faiths about image veneration, Rev. Fr. Francis Lucas of the Catholic Media Network offered clarity. “We are not worshipping a non-God. We are worshipping our God. It’s just an image of God,” he explained, comparing it to treasuring photos of loved ones. He also appealed for decorum, reminding aggressive devotees clinging to the andas: “Respect yourselves and respect also your God.”
Historian Xiao Chua reflected on the event’s deeper meaning, calling it “a picture of Philippine history.” “Sa kabila ng tila magulong daloy nito, masisilayan sa gitna ng siksikan ang tunay na diwa ng bayanihan sa pagtutulungan ng mga deboto. Pinatutunayan nito na sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa, mararating natin ang isang maluwalhati at ligtas na pagtatapos. Layunin ng bawat isa na maging matagumpay ang prusisyon nang malayo sa anumang kapahamakan,” he said. He also noted the positive innovations like prayer stations that double as aid centers, highlighting the collaboration between Church and state for everyone’s safety.
The Unplanned “Hijacking”: Devotion vs. Pastoral Care
The most dramatic moment occurred after the traditional ‘Dungaw’ at San Sebastian Basilica at 4:35 a.m., where the Nazareno met the image of His Mother, Nuestra Señora del Carmen. With the procession surpassing the 24-hour mark, Quiapo Church authorities, prioritizing safety and considering the exhaustion of the crowd, announced that the image would temporarily rest inside the Basilica, effectively concluding the Traslacion.
The devotees had a different answer. In an unprecedented act of devout defiance, many seized the ropes and insistently pulled the andas back toward its traditional route to Quiapo Church. This spontaneous act laid bare the heart of the panata: an overwhelming, personal resolve to complete the journey at any cost, standing in tension with the Church’s pastoral duty of care.
Church Reflects, Plans for Change
In the aftermath, Quiapo Church officials acknowledged the need for evaluation. Rev. Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson for Traslacion 2027, cited devotees climbing the forbidden andas as a major cause of delay. “Every year is a new experience, every year we learn,” he stated.
Rev. Fr. Jerome Secillano of the CBCP offered a crucial reflection, distinguishing deep devotion from fanaticism. “It’s good to see people exuding religious fervor but there should be a great deal of rationality and solemnity,” he said, emphasizing that “God’s generosity is not dependent on how feverishly we have expressed our faith.”
Nationwide Feast, Local Fervor in Tarlac
The 2026 feast held special significance as the second celebration as a national liturgical feast, following its declaration by the CBCP. This national stature was felt locally.
In Tarlac City, the newly canonical Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno Parish in Barangay Atioc celebrated with great joy, welcoming its first parish priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Cruz. A procession was held from San Rafael Parish to the newly canonical parish. Similar vibrant celebrations and processions were held at the San Sebastian Cathedral Parish in Tarlac City, in Sitio Pad-Pad, and Brgy. San Vicente in Concepcion, Tarlac—proof that the extraordinary faith in the Nazareno is a vibrant, growing force far beyond Quiapo.
A Tapestry of Faith
From the historic streets of Manila to the budding parishes of Tarlac, the 2026 Feast of Jesus Nazareno wove a complex tapestry. It was a story of record-breaking numbers, of heartfelt inter-faith solidarity as seen in Muslims distributing food and water, of tension between institutional care and popular devotion, and ultimately, of an extraordinary, unwavering faith that continues to shape, challenge, and inspire the Filipino Catholic soul.
Walang hanggang pasasalamat, Mahal na Poong Jesus Nazareno!
