Miracles and sacrifice: Why millions join the Traslacion

MANILA, Philippines – Devotees of the Black Nazarene, believed by generations to have performed miracles, are called mamamasan. Every January 9, millions of them join the Traslacion, a grand procession in Quiapo to celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene.

The towering image of Jesus carrying a cross, made of dark wood, was brought from Mexico to the Philippines by Augustinian Recollect friars in the early 1600s. It was initially housed in the Church of San Juan Bautista in Bagumbayan (now part of Luneta) before being moved to the Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Intramuros. By the late 1700s, it found its current home at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo.

The annual procession reenacts the journey of the image from its first parish in Bagumbayan to its current home in Quiapo. Over the years, the devotion has grown from a simple route around the Quiapo Church to starting at the Quirino Grandstand, now taking up to 20 hours to complete.

Devotees have come to be called mamamasan from the word pasan (carry), as they lift the image of the Nazarene, set on a wooden float, on their shoulders during the procession. 

Each year, devotees dressed in maroon, walking barefoot, and waving handkerchiefs or towels can be seen fervently participating in the event. What drives these mamamasan to dedicate time and effort, even at the risk of life and limb?

The stories of devotees Noel Soriano, Eduardo Orais Jr., and Cedric Cruz, like those of countless other Catholic faithful, show how faith, devotion, and sacrifice intertwine for the mamamasan, sustaining a centuries-old tradition that continues to inspire millions.

Soriano became a mamamasan in 1983. His older brother, also a devotee, told him that Jesus the Nazarene always granted prayers – not immediately, but in due time.

A college graduate with no job experience, Soriano joined the procession, praying: “Please, can You give me a job? Any kind of work will do, I am not choosy.”

Shortly after, his cousin asked if he was looking for work and not choosy. That led him to a job in the hotel industry. That made Soriano make a panata (vow) to help carry the image during processions as long as