In the Philippines, more than a million Christians marched barefoot through the capital Manila during one of the largest religious festivals in the world. The mega event has been canceled for the past three years due to the corona pandemic.
Since early Tuesday morning (local time), worshipers have been paying tribute to a life-size statue of Jesus, the so-called ‘Black Nazarene’, which was driven through the city in a six-kilometre procession.
Many Filipinos believe that the statue performs miracles. 5,600 police officers had to guarantee the safety of believers.
For the first time, the figure of Christ was wheeled around Manila in a glass container to discourage participants from climbing onto the float and touching it with their hands or with towels and tissues.
Many Filipinos believe that the cloths have magical powers and can heal the sick. Still, some tried to at least touch the container. Others held on to the rope that pulled the cart through the crowd.
Dozens have already been injured
According to the Philippine Red Cross, 180 patients suffering from fainting, bruises and breathing difficulties required treatment in the first hours of the procession. The government declared a public holiday in Manila on Tuesday.
The wooden Jesus figure is said to have been brought from Mexico to Manila by missionaries in 1606 and survived a ship fire. Afterwards she was given the name Black Nazarene. The procession commemorates how the figure was brought to the church in the Quiapo district in the 18th century.
Source: Krone
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