Catholic devotees of the Jesus Nazarene lined up at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 7, 2025, to touch and wipe the feet and cross of the revered image with cloths, handkerchiefs, or towels during the traditional “Pahalik” (kiss) ritual.
This marked the beginning of the annual observance leading up to the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene.
The Jesus Nazarene in Manila is a life-sized image of a dark-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ carrying a cross.
Every year, on Jan. 9, millions of devotees participate in a grand procession reenacting the 1787 transfer of the image from a chapel in old Manila to the Quiapo Church in the city’s walled district.
This annual religious event is the largest procession in the Philippines, drawing millions of devotees and lasting up to 20 hours, as participants throng to touch and venerate the iconic image.
All photos by Jire Carreon
