Nazareno 2023 draws 1.2 million...

statue of the Black Nazarene.

Traslacion has been canceled for the third time — first in 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country.

The annual procession is a reenactment of the 1787 Traslacion — literally means “solemn transfer” — of the image from its original shrine in Bagumbayan, the present Rizal Park, to the Quiapo Church.

Traslacion not the sole reason for low turnout Quiapo Church spokesperson Fr. Earl Valdez said while the cancellation of Traslacion could be one of the factors for the low attendance, that is not the sole reason.

“Probably,” Valdez told INQUIRER.net when asked if the cancellation of Traslacion led to the low attendance, “but we can’t say that that’s the only reason.”

Valdez said the pilgrimage of the replica images in nearby provinces and cities of Luzon could be why fewer devotees flocked the church and the grandstand this time.

The priest also presented a half-glass full perspective on the situation.

“At the very least there are people who are eager to practice their faith and devotion since it is the first celebration of the Feast with minimal restrictions in terms of mobility and crowd control,” he also said.

More trash

Meanwhile, the Manila Public Information Office said the total garbage collected in Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand has also increased compared to previous years.

“As per [Department of Public Services], for this year total