Manila’s Feast of the Black Nazarene draws record 9.6 million devotees

January 15, 2026

A record crowd of over 9.6 million people took part in the annual procession in Manila for the Philippine Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Last year, 8.1 million people took part in a procession that last nearly 21 hours. This year, the procession lasted nearly 31 hours.

In his homily to devotees, Bishop Rufino Sescon of Balanga preached against political corruption.

“There are those today who refuse to step down even when they are wrong and exposed, even when the people suffer,” he said. “Step down freely, out of mercy and love.”

 

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Further information:

• Philippines: Record number of people attend Black Nazarene celebrations (Vatican News, 1/14/26)
• Manila’s Feast of the Black Nazarene Draws 9.6 Million Devotees (National Catholic Register, 1/14/26)
• Traslacion message: ‘Give way freely’ (Daily Tribune, 1/9/26)