Thousands of Nazarene devotees form 1.5-km 'pahalik' line in Manila

January 8, 2013 2:15pm

Thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene formed a line stretching more than one kilometer at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila as the traditional "pahalik" started Tuesday afternoon.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic discipline office head Yves Gonzalez said that as of 1:53 p.m., the line was about 1.45 km long.

"As of 1:53 p.m., Black Nazarene Pahalik line is approximately 1.45 kms long. Line is five layers deep along South Drive," Gonzalez said on his Twitter account.

He said that at three to four people per meter, the 1.5-km queue would mean "4,500 to 6,000 people [are] currently in queue for the Black Nazarene Pahalik" as of 2 p.m.

A separate report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo said the devotees remained in line despite the midday heat and light rain.

The report added the line stretched toward the Museong Pambata and Roxas Boulevard.

"The end of the line is currently at the Quirino Grandstand Kalabaw in front of Rizal Monument," Gonzalez said.

He posted a map indicating the length of the queue, and a photo of the devotees waiting for their turn to get near the image of the Black Nazarene, which is believed to have miraculous powers.

On Tuesday evening, devotees are expected to attend the traditional vigil before taking part in a Mass and the yearly procession on Wednesday. — BM, GMA News