Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said that no “Traslacion” will take place but the religious festivals “Lakbayaw” and “Buling-Buling” in Tondo and Pandacan, respectively, will push through, all in 2023.
At the “Balitaan sa Harbor View” forum hosted by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Assn. (MACHRA), Lacuna said that that the traditional “Pahalik” or the kissing of the image will still be held at the Quirino Grandstand beginning at 12:01 a.m. of January 7 up to January 9, or the day of the Feast of the Black Nazarene itself, where the “Walk of Faith” will be held replacing the “Traslacion” or the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene.
Lacuna said recently held a meeting with Quiapo Church authorities and the hijos of the Nazareno where it was agreed upon that the devotees may bring the replicas on a specific day designated for the blessing of the religious images and replicas of the Black Nazarene, saying plans are being finalized by the Quiapo Church for the holding of a joint press conference that would include the announcement of routes.
She assured the readiness of the Manila Police District; the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau; Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office; department of tourism, culture and the arts; social welfare deparment; Manila Health Department and the Manila Fire District, in connection with the said event adding that the city government is just awaiting the requirements or needs for the holding of said events at the Quirino Grandstand and Quiapo.
Lacuna meanwhile announced that the Lakbayaw and Buling-Buling festivals which are both held simultaneously and in honor of the Sto. Nino in Tondo and Pandacan, respectively, will push through in January, noting that they are more sober events than the Traslacion.
“Iba kasi ang deboto ng Poong Nazareno. Iba ho sa Lakbayaw at Bulling-Buling. I have attended them, lakad lang po, tahimik at meron pa ring distancing. ‘Yung Buling-buling is mostly sayaw ng grupo-grupo. Di sila ganung kadami at walang nagtutulakan kaya di ako ninenerbiyos sa festivities na ‘yun, unike sa Nazareno, iba ang way pagpakita ng devotion at ito ay dinarayo maging ng mga taga-ibang lugar,” the mayor said.
Lacuna urged the devotees of the Black Nazarene to practice utmost self-discipline if they want the traditional procession restored, saying: “Kung gusto nilang sa susunod na taon ay bumalik na sa dati, dapat ay ipakita nila kung kaya na ibalik yung dati. Ngayon, kung pwede naman nating gawin ang debosyon sa ganitong paraan, baka puwede sa susunod na taon ganito na lang.” (JERRY S. TAN)
