The organizers of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno called on devotees to refrain from kissing the image of Jesus of Nazareth at the Quirino Grandstand for hygiene reasons.
According to Sam Nielsen’s report on Super Radyo dzBB on Tuesday, devotees are encouraged to do “pagpupugay” instead of the traditional “pahalik” of the revered Black Nazarene image.
In 2021, the traditional “Pahalik” or the kissing of the image was prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was changed to “pagpupugay” wherein devotees were only allowed to look at the image.
But devotees were allowed in 2023 to touch the black image of Jesus Christ using a towel or handkerchief.
Alex Irasga, technical adviser of Nazareno 2025, said they elevated and decreased the size of the hole in the wall where devotees can touch the image.
The organizers earlier said that it will also discourage devotees this year to climb up on the andas or carriage of the Black Nazarene’s image. They slanted the corners to avoid devotees jumping on it.
Initially scheduled at 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, the Pahalik commenced ahead of schedule as devotees already flocked to the venue following the Mass for volunteers.
The Feast of Jesus Nazareno is a 10-day activity which started from December 31, 2024 and will culminate on January 9, 2025 with the Traslacion or the procession of the image.
The Traslacion route will start at Quirino Grandstand and end at Quiapo Church. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News
