MANILA, Philippines – During a religious event attended by millions of impassioned and determined devotees, it can be difficult – and sometimes, downright impossible – to control a crowd.  

“Hindi po tama ang ginagawa ninyo. Bumalik po tayo sa inyong puwesto. Ang mga tunay na deboto marunong sumunod, marunong makinig,” a voice boomed through the speakers at the Quirino Grandstand on Friday, January 9, the feast day of the Black Nazarene. 

(What you’re doing is not right. You need to go back to your designated places. A real devotee listens and knows how to follow instructions.) 

During the morning prayer, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle prayed for the safety of the devotees.

“Ipapakita natin ang tunay na diwa ng pagdiriwang na ito (Let us show the world the true meaning of today’s festivities),” Tagle said. 

The “traslacion” or the procession of the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church is one of the predominantly Catholic Philippines’ biggest religious events. 

Millions of devotees (and the occassional curious onlooker) flock the Philippine capital to take part in the feast day of the centuries-old image of Jesus Christ believed to be miraculous and seen as a symbol of suffering. 

The 2015 traslacion is not without bumps and hitches. It started later than usual, since a group of eager devotees prevented organizers from attaching the rope to the carriage right away.

One devotee later died after suffering a heart attack during the procession.

– Rappler.com