Thousands pile into Manila for Black Nazarene parade - in pictures

The Philippine capital was awash with devotees desperate to see - and maybe touch - the historic relic of Jesus as it was transported through the streets

Catholic devotees jostle with each other as they try to touch the Black Nazarene statue. AFP

Catholic devotees suround the statue of the Black Nazarene on a carriage during the annual religious procession. AFP

Catholic devotees crowd around to try to touch the Black Nazarene statue. AFP

Philippine Coastguard personnel on a rigid inflatable boat conduct a patrol in the vicinity of the procession of the Black Nazarene. EPA

Catholic devotees jostle with each other as they try to touch the Black Nazarene. AFP

Catholic devotees transport the carriage of the Black Nazarene statue. AFP

Catholic devotees flip their towels to celebrate the feast day. Reuters

Catholic devotees celebrate as they wait to touch the statue of the Black Nazarene. Reuters

Coastguard vessels keep a close watch as thousands of Roman Catholic devotees cross the bridge in a raucous procession of the Black Nazarene. AP Photo

A firebreather performs at the event. Reuters

Catholic devotees celebrate as they wait to touch the statue of the Black Nazarene. Reuters

Catholic devotees celebrate as they wait to touch the statue of the Black Nazarene. Reuters

The streets of Manila in the Philippines saw an influx of hundreds of thousands of Catholics on Wednesday for the annual procession of the Black Nazarene.

The event sees devotees - who go barefoot - trying to catch a glimpse of the historic statue of Jesus of Nazareth, with many keen to touch the effigy if they can get close enough.

They believe getting near the piece can cure illness or bring good luck.

The Black Nazarene was originally carved in Mexico and arrived in the Philippines in the 17th Century.

It survived a fire on board the ship transporting it and is now considered one of the country's most revered devotional objects.

The statue spends most of the year in a church in the city's Quiapo district, but every January it is taken on a seven kilometre tour around Manila's streets.

____________

More galleries from The National:

Sunken yacht salvaged at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach

Inside a Dh63m Emirates Hills villa in Dubai

Kite fliers duke it out around India's giant Statue of Unity