DirectRooms.com – Devotees gather in the millions in Manila on 9 January 2011

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is dedicated to a blackened life size carving of Jesus which many devotees believe can perform miracles for those that touch it. The image is carried through the streets of Manila with millions of people in attendance, all of whom will be hoping for the chance to get within touching distance of the famous sculpture.

Cases have been reported of people touching the carving to be miraculously cured of diseases and many people can be seen throwing towels for the guards to wipe on the statue in the belief it transfers some of the power from the statue onto the cloth.

During the procession many followers go bare foot to signify the time when Jesus travelled to Mount Calvary on the way to be crucified. Visitors can also see many people dressed in maroon coloured clothing which is the colour associated with the statue which also wears maroon robes.

The event will take place on 9^th January 2011 and with such a large number of devotees demand for Manila hotels is set to dramatically increase over the course of the procession.

Lek Boonlert, marketing head at DirectRooms.com commented: “Devout Catholics will be turning up in Manila in the millions. Hotels are going to be at full occupancy so anyone heading to the city will need to book online months in advance to be sure of finding somewhere.”