MANILA, Philippines – Aside from the Traslacion, one of the prominent traditions during the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno is the Pahalik.
In Pahalik, devotees line up — mostly for hours — to touch and wipe their handkerchiefs on the image of Jesus Nazareno, which is said to be miraculous.
The tradition precedes the Traslacion of the Nazarene image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church every January 9, and is an alternative for devotees who — instead of flocking to the streets of Manila for the grand procession — want a less crowded, less exhausting, and safer way to honor the suffering Christ.
Here are some scenes from this year’s Pahalik.
Workers from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno install the image of the Black Nazarene, as devotees start queuing for the traditional Pahalik, at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, January 6, 2025. Photo by RapplerCatholic devotees queue at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, for the traditional Pahalik, ahead of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, on January 7, 2025. Photo by Jire Carreon/RapplerCatholic devotees queue at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, for the traditional Pahalik, ahead of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, on January 7, 2025. Photo by Jire Carreon/RapplerDevotees queue to touch the cross and wipe their handkerchiefs on the foot of the image of the Black Nazarene, during the Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta on January 7, 2025. Photo by RapplerAdam Camorongan, 31, brings his five-year-old son Gio to the Pahalik at Quirino Grandstand on January 8, 2025, on the eve of the fiesta. Adam says he is praying that Gio would soon learn how to speak. Photo by Paterno Esmaquel II/RapplerEusebia Briton Carian (right, in red), 73, brings along her friend, 70-year-old Ceny Salgado (left, in pink), to the traditional Pahalik on January 8, 2025. Carian prays for her deceased husband and son and also wishes for a long life even as she is now alone. Meanwhile, Salgado is praying that she might survive the troubles of life. Photo by Paterno Esmaquel II/RapplerCatholic devotees honor Jesus Nazareno at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City on January 8, 2025, in celebration of the first Feast of Jesus Nazareno in the Diocese of Bacolod. The replica was a gift from the Quiapo Church in Manila, brought to and enshrined at the Queen of Peace Parish, Redemptorist, in November 2024. Photo by Rappler Communities user Lance Dolor
