Nazareno 2026

Motorists heading to or passing through Manila this week should plan ahead as major road closures and traffic rerouting take effect for the 2026 Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The Manila City government, led by Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso, has rolled out traffic measures to manage the large crowds expected for Nazareno activities, including the Traslacion on January 9.

Early closures around Luneta

According to the Manila Public Information Office, partial road closures around Quirino Grandstand began on January 6 in connection with the Pahalik rites. Katigbak Parkway and South Road are limited to one lane, with the opposite lane reserved for vehicles bound for Manila Hotel and H2O Hotel. Portions of Independence Road are also temporarily closed.

Full closures ahead of the procession

Traffic disruptions are expected to intensify on the evening of January 8, ahead of the main procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.

The city said full closures will be implemented progressively along key roads as the procession moves. These include Bonifacio Drive, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Maria Orosa Street, Ayala Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, Legarda Street, C. Palanca Street, Romualdez Street, Jones Bridge, and MacArthur Bridge.

Rerouting schemes in place

To ease congestion, authorities have set up detailed rerouting plans.

Southbound vehicles from Mel Lopez Boulevard or R-10 bound for Roxas Boulevard will be diverted through Capulong Street, Yuseco Street, and Lacson Avenue. Vehicles from España Boulevard heading to Quezon Boulevard will be rerouted via N. Reyes Street and C.M. Recto Avenue.

Northbound vehicles from Roxas Boulevard going toward Padre Burgos Avenue will be redirected through U.N. Avenue, P. Guanzon Street, and Mabini Bridge. Separate routes are assigned for trucks, trailers, and light vehicles, particularly near the procession route and port areas.

Traslacion route on January 9

The Traslacion will begin at dawn on Friday, January 9, at Quirino Grandstand. The procession will pass through Katigbak Drive, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Ayala Bridge, Palanca Street, Quezon Boulevard, Arlegui Street, and several streets in the Quiapo area before ending at Quiapo Church.

With millions of devotees expected to join, authorities advised motorists to avoid Manila or postpone non essential travel on January 9.

City officials said the traffic measures aim to ensure public safety and maintain order during the religious events. Motorists are encouraged to monitor official advisories and plan alternative routes during the Nazareno festivities.