Mayor Erap Estrada Declared No Classes in Manila for Feast of the Black Nazarene

Mayor Erap Estrada Declared No Classes in Manila for Feast of the Black Nazarene

Every year millions of devotees from all over the country come to Quiapo Manila to be part of the procession of the Black Nazarene. All participants in the procession hope that they will have the opportunity to touch the black wooden statue. Hoping that this will protect them from harm and ensure good health in the future.

 Filipino pilgrims believe they will be healed of any diseases after touching the black Nazarene. Others follow the miraculous statue during the procession because they believe it is an atonement of their sins or hope for some miracle.


The procession of the Black Nazarene is the largest procession in the Philippines. It takes place on January the 9th and on Good Friday through the streets of Quiapo.

In Executive No. 1 for 2015, Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada declared that there will be no classes in Manila on Friday, the Feast of the Black Nazarene. Estrada said the suspension will cover public and private schools at all levels. 

"Classes for all levels in universities, colleges and schools in the City of Manila (are) suspended 09 January 2015, Friday," Mayor Erap said in his order, which was posted on his official Facebook account.

Work in Metro Manila is suspended in all departments, offices and bureaus in the city government except those involved in:

• maintenance of peace and order;
• traffic enforcement;
• disaster and risk reduction management;
• health and sanitation; and
• issuance of business permits and collection of taxes.

The suspension of work in national government offices and private offices in the city  according to Mayor Erap "is left to the discretion of their heads of office."


Meanwhile, The image of the Black Nazarene is to be brought to Quirino Grandstand on Thursday for an overnight vigil, then will be returned to Quiapo Church via the yearly procession on Friday.

photo credits: mrfunaminous