Quiapo Church prepares for more millennials in Traslacion

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31) — Organizers are expecting more millennials to participate in the Translacion, the Feast Day of the Black Nazarene, on January 9.

Quiapo Church Rector Hernando Coronel said around 80 percent of those who joined the Translacion in previous years were millennials.

"I guess they feel a certain attraction, personal attraction. There's a connection and relationship on a very deep level with the Nazareno," Coronel said.

That's why the Church plans to be more active in social media, like live streaming major events leading to the Traslacion.

It wants the ceremony to be more organized.

"Putting more order, more prayer, more solemnity and more respect for our Señor," said Coronel.

The police anticipate 5,000 devotees to attend the daily novena masses that lead to the feast day. The masses begin December 31.

This is almost double the 3,000 devotees previously expected.

"Wala naman tayong threat, pero hindi naman tayo nag-re-relax," Sta. Cruz, Manila Station police hief Julies Domingo said.

[Translation: There are no threats, but this doesn't mean that we should relax.]

Organizers remind devotees against bringing sharp objects, backpacks, and wearing caps in Quiapo Church and its vicinity.

CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.