Just like last year, the procession will start at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta at around 7:30 AM and it is expected to end in Quiapo Church around 9PM. This has been a unique cultural practice among Filipinos since the Black Nazarene was brought here by the Mexican Friars ages ago.
Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio said that they will be implementing the new scheme that they tried to do last year; and they will start this by relocating the Black Nazarene in the eve of January 9. This is to prevent accidents and deaths that happened in the past few years. They are gunning for 0 deaths today. This will also be the start of the Kissing of the Nazarene a day before the actual parade. They also said that there should be no political figures joining the event. They will also be promoting voter’s education while on this feast. They will probably have people documenting the event and shown on youtube for the rest of the world to see. This would also be a great opportunity for photographers like me. Street photography has never been my strength but this one would be really great to see! Although I would be thinking twice bringing my camera there, because I know a lot of thieves are also going too.
Should I stay or should I go?! =)