Coco Martin, a longtime Black Nazarene devotee, participated in the Traslacion 2024 on January 9.

Traslacion 2024 Coco Martin

On Instagram, the actor shared a photo of him paying tribute to the Black Nazarene, also known as Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno or Itim na Nazareno.

Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat sa iyo, Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno [An eternal gratitude to you, beloved Black Nazarene],” he captioned.

He also uploaded snaps with his fellow Black Nazarene devotees as he marked the first anniversary of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” in which he played the role of Hesus Nazareno or “Tanggol.” 

Martin delivered a speech at the Traslacion 2024 program, urging his fellow devotees to keep their faith and devotion to the Black Nazarene.

Sana po maging matatag lang kayo at wag kayong sumuko dahil andito tayo. Alam niyo kung bakit tayo nandito, alam niyo ang purpose niyo bat kayo nandito. Hindi para lang humiling sa Poong Nazareno, kung di dahil naniniwala tayo sakanya na mapagbabago niya ang ating buhay. Naniniwala tayo na kasama natin siya [Let’s stay strong and not give up. You know why we’re here, you know your purpose why you’re here. Not only to ask for the Black Nazarene’s blessings, but because we believe that He can change our lives. We believe that He is with us],” he said.

He even recalled his struggles and how his faith in the Black Nazarene helped him overcome them.

Kung ano man ang binibigay satin ng Poong Nazareno, ng Diyos, sa ating buhay, wag po tayong susuko. Kasi hindi niya ibibgay yan pag alam niyang di mo kaya [Whatever challenge the Black Nazarene gives us, in our lives, let’s not give up. Because He won’t give it to you if He knows you can’t surpass it].”

Traslacion 2024 is among the most significant events for Filipino Catholics. It commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from Intramuros to Quiapo Church in the 1700s, where millions of devotees join its annual procession.

The event returned this year after its three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 2.8 million attendees recorded as per the NCRPO Public Information Office (NCRPO-PIO).