The traditional pahalik — the devotional kissing and touching of the image of the Jesus Nazareno — is set to begin on Wednesday evening, January 7, 2026, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. This marks the start of one of the most cherished rituals leading up to the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, which culminates with the Traslacion procession on January 9.
Thousands of Catholic devotees from across the country are expected to line up as early as the day before, some even arriving the night before to secure a place in the queue. The event traditionally begins with a Mass and continues into the evening, allowing the faithful to venerate the image by touching or kissing its cross or handkerchiefs, a centuries-old expression of devotion.
Organizers have put in place crowd control measures and designated queuing areas to help manage the large numbers expected and ensure safety during the event. The pahalik runs until just before the Traslacion begins — a massive procession drawing millions of devotees that honors the centuries-old transfer of the revered image from its original church to Quiapo Church and back.