A WALK of Faith, instead of the traditional Traslacion, will be held in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene next week, the Quiapo Church officials said on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

In a press conference, the officials said the Walk of Faith will start at 1 a.m. of January 8, following the midnight mass, at the Quirino Grandstand, going to the Quiapo Church of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.

The parade will pass through: Katigbak Road, Padre Burgos Street, Jones Bridge, Dasmariñas Street, Sta. Cruz, Palanca Street, Quezon Blvd., Arlegui Street, P. Casal Street, Concepcion Street, Carcer Street, Hidalgo Street, Bilibid Viejo/ G. Puyat Street, Guzman Street, Hidalgo Street, Quezon Blvd., Palanca Street and Villalobos Street.

Devotees will be given a chance to touch the image of the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand but they will still be not allowed to perform the traditional “pahalik” or the kissing of the hand of the image.

Prayers, worship songs and meditation will be played during the parade.

Fr. Earl Valdez said they wanted to emphasize the purpose of the event, which is to show devotion to the Black Nazarene.

Devotees were allowed to bring their own image of the Black Nazarene but only the small ones (two feet and below) that can be carried by one hand, as well as other small religious relics and rosary.

Among the prohibited items were umbrellas, alcoholic beverages, laser pointers, large chains spikes and other big metal objects, scooters, skateboards, skates, motorcycles, heavy meals, plastic glass bottles, food sticks, pets, black plastics, jackets, banners, carriage (locally known as andas), large bags, pyrotechnic devices, firearms and deadly weapons and portable appliances, among others.

Devotees are allowed to bring or wear raincoats in case of bad weather.

The officials said everyone is required to wear their face masks and observe social distancing to prevent the possible spread of Covid-19.

They also encouraged those who will join the Walk of Faith to bring their identification cards in case of emergency.

Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon said over 5,000 personnel will be deployed to ensure a safe and peaceful conduct of the activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

For her part, Manila City Mayor Honey Laguna said they will impose a liquor ban from January 7 to 9 and suspend the classes on January 9 to give way to the event. (SunStar Philippines)