Procession of the Black Nazarene (revisited) 2007 /Faces
This year I covered
again the Procession of the Black Nazarene which is held traditionally every
year on January 9. This year the festivities started already the day before
with a night vigil at the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park. The next morning the statue was brought to Quiapo church in a huge
procession attended by more than half a million devotees.
If you want more background information about the Procession of the Black Nazarene you can see my last year pictures series here and this year's pictures on Flickr.
The Statue of the Black Nazarene on display at the Quirino Grandstand.
Mayor Lito Atienza signals the start of the procession by ringing the bell.
Click image to enlarge.
Police officers try to keep the devotees away from the statue.
Click image to enlarge.
People try to climb the carriage carrying the Black Nazarene in the hope to touch the statue. They are pushed back by the escorts.
Click image to enlarge.
The carriage with the Black Nazarene is pulled by two ropes by devotees.
Click image to enlarge.
The risk of being trampled while pulling the rope is high.
Click image to enlarge.
The procession was cut short as it diverted from the Quinta Market because of the huge number of devotees.
Click image to enlarge.
The devotees are bare foot as sign of respect.
Click image to enlarge.
An exhausted devotee.
This year I focused on the individual devotee. During seven days I will post five faces each day. Those portraits were taken randomly and as such might or might not represent the average devotee.
great pictures Sydney. i wish i have the guts to be there during the Black Nazarene procession :)
Posted by: cecille | January 25, 2007 at 10:35 PM
May the Lord Mayor of Manila and his son burn in hell for using religious celebrations for their political gain. >:-)
Posted by: Ivan About Town | January 21, 2007 at 05:15 AM
> Mayor Lito Atienza signals the start of the procession by ringing the bell.
s'il y était comme le maire dont il représentait le gouvernement, il transgressait la loi de la séparation de l'état et l'église.
Posted by: max | January 18, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Sidney I just adore the way you document everyday life where you live and in particular the religious ceremonies wonderful stuff. Phil
Posted by: [t e r r o r k i t t e n] | January 17, 2007 at 07:35 PM
The picture of the feet is amazing ! My favorite is the one where you can see all the hands on the rope.
Excellent reportage work !
Posted by: Regis | January 16, 2007 at 10:44 PM
power series in again showing the religious ferocity of philippine society
Posted by: johnz | January 16, 2007 at 10:37 PM
What can I say but... WOW! You're really something else Sidney!
Posted by: Toe | January 16, 2007 at 08:02 PM
impressive shots again sidney! :) welcome back! :)
Posted by: tin | January 16, 2007 at 03:54 PM
I like the 3rd and 6th photo! Nice one! And you got close? WOW! There are so many people. I watched this too in TV.
Posted by: sayote queen | January 16, 2007 at 12:42 PM
I made the last cmment that isnt labeled. I got ahead of myself and idnt fill it out apologies
Posted by: kimberley | January 16, 2007 at 11:58 AM
These shots wow.. There are so many people in one area and to show a devotion. That is uplifting to see the contribution to honor this.. Beautiful ashots and of the feet, I can imagne they have walked many miles and taken them to places and experiences we'll never know! LOVE your work
Posted by: | January 16, 2007 at 11:55 AM
yea! you're back, awesome set, particularly like the showind just the top of their heads, great perspective
Posted by: Gary | January 16, 2007 at 08:38 AM
Excellent set, Sidney. I liked having it ending with the exhausted devotee.
Posted by: Otto K. | January 16, 2007 at 02:26 AM
great images
Posted by: nash | January 16, 2007 at 01:37 AM
hey, good to have you back.. It`s such an impressiv start on your blog, so I`m very interested what follows...
Posted by: ava rea | January 16, 2007 at 12:52 AM
Wow, impressive start to the new year .. i have always enjoyed ur projects and i expect to do carry on forever!! Best wishes for the new year!!!
Posted by: Ashish Sidapara | January 16, 2007 at 12:48 AM
Very impressive photo series. The exuberance of the devotees is palpable in this series.
Posted by: Laurie | January 16, 2007 at 12:33 AM
WOW ! what a come-back ! A most impressive event, simply overwhelming, all those black haired heads in a crowd, the bare feet, ... : real strong images. It looks as if you were watching the event from above, but as from among the crowd as well. Great idea : 5x7 random faces. I'm curious.
Posted by: Hildegarde | January 16, 2007 at 12:31 AM
This series is especially strong. The images have a great deal of impact. You caught so many at the devotees at the peak of action. It must have been difficult to get the viewpoints you used. Excellent.
Posted by: don | January 16, 2007 at 12:17 AM
the camera, a great vantage point of view, and the eye to pick-up what would continuously interest us, all works for you Mr. Sidney, my teacher! :)
Posted by: mariaela | January 15, 2007 at 11:58 PM
You found a great spot. Great shots and amazing devotees! Filipinos are really passionate when it comes to religion!
Posted by: LAR | January 15, 2007 at 10:56 PM
These are by far the best shots of the festival that I had seen, Sidney! Bravo! How did you manage to get on those prime spots????
Great pics! I am humbled.
Posted by: eric aka senor enrique | January 15, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Nice to see you again Sidney; Thanks for your wishes. I see that your projects are always so numerous... and so spectacula, just like this one!
Posted by: Still | January 15, 2007 at 10:15 PM
Excellent photos Sidney!
Posted by: Ashwathy Nair | January 15, 2007 at 09:23 PM
I find it amazing how devotees flock to Quiapo church on this special day. I also find it fascinating how these people risk getting hurt/injured just to have a chance to touch the Black Nazarene. A great example of true devotion.
Posted by: Rach | January 15, 2007 at 08:51 PM