Quiapo Church redesigns andas anew

MANILA, Philippines — The andas or carriage transporting the image of the Black Nazarene will be redesigned anew to give more people a clear view during traslacion and the procession on Jan. 9.

Last year, the Quiapo Church unveiled the glass case that protected the Nazareno from being touched by eager devotees who brave tight crowds. However, moments after it left the Quirino Grandstand, mist covered the glass panels making the statue blurred in the sight of its devotees.

Alex Irasga, adviser to this year’s traslacion organizing committee, said an exhaust fan and ventilation aids would be installed inside the carriage to expel moisture.

“The ceiling of the andas would also be replaced with glass so daylight can be used to illuminate the Nazareno and for devotees in high-rise buildings to see the image even from above,” Irasga said.

He added that the andas would also be using both forklift and steel tires this year.

According to Irasga, the andas was also made to be light enough for one person to push, even with nine members of the Hijos del Nazareno riding on the carriage.

“The andas would also contain first aid equipment like oxygen tank and defibrillator,” Irasga said.

The path of the traslacion will cover 5.8 kilometers from the Quiapo Church to Quirino Grandstand, passing through three plazas and parks, 18 national and city roads, six bridges and an underpass.

Irasga said that the procession on Jan. 9 would start at daybreak from the Quirino Grandstand. It will turn right to Katigbak Drive and pass through Padre Burgos Street, Ayala Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard and the streets of Arlegui, Nepomuceno, Aguila and Hidalgo before heading to San Sebastian Church, where the traditional “Dungaw” will be performed.

He urged devotees to avoid waiting at bridges.

Last year, officials said 6,113,598 people joined the traslacion or attended the Masses at the Quiapo Church. The 2024 traslacion was also the fastest in more than 10 years, lasting only 14 hours, 59 minutes and 10 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority towed 33 vehicles during its road-clearing operation at Finance Road, Carlos Palanca, Quezon Boulevard and Arlegui yesterday.

At least 134 motorists were also issued citation tickets.