MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government has announced the suspension of classes and work in local government offices on Friday, January 9, 2026, in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
All classes at public and private schools, whether online or face-to-face, will be suspended, the Manila local government unit said in a statement on Monday, January 5.
Work in Manila City Hall and other local government offices will also be halted for the day.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, to ensure the safety, order, and solemnity of the annual event.
The suspension allows devotees to fully participate in the Traslacion, which draws millions of pilgrims to the capital each year.
Essential city services, including peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster response, and health services, will continue operating.
Work in national government offices and private companies in Manila will be left to the discretion of their respective managements, the city government added.
January 9 marks the culmination of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, which began on December 31, 2025.
On the day, the image of the Black Nazarene will be carried in procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The annual celebration attracts devotees from across the country, with last year’s Traslacion reportedly drawing 8.12 million participants according to official tallies from Quiapo Church.
— The Summit Express