Paul Sison, one of the members of the Nazareno 400 group, said the devotees decided to hold an overnight vigil at the Luneta so that they will have more time to pray in preparation for tomorrow’s traditional Quiapo fiesta.

"We are urging the people to take advantage of the vigil at the Luneta because we purposely exposed the image there to give them the chance to get near it so that during the procession tomorrow afternoon the people won’t be that excited anymore," Sison said.

"Mas kokonti na din iyong tao para maiiwasan iyung congestion para walang mamatay at masaktan," Sison said.

Aside from reducing the risks of accidents during the Jan. 9 procession, tonight’s vigil is also meant to reenact the "translacion" or the transfer of the Black Nazarene image from Intramuros to the St. John the Baptist Parish or Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) during the 18th century.

Organizers said they hope that the rites will help clarify the popular belief that Jan. 9 is the feast day of the Nazarene image or the parish.

The organizers said that although Quiapo fiesta is traditionally held on Jan. 9, the feast day is actually on June 24 in honor of St. John the Baptist, the district’s patron saint. The date also marks "Araw ng Maynila."

The celebration will kick off with a motorcade at 5:30 p.m. today which will bring the 400-year-old image of the Nazarene to the Luneta. A 10-minute fireworks display will be held upon arrival of the image at the Luneta. This will be followed by a candlelight ceremony led by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

Penitential services will follow featuring talks by leading priests and lay leaders on the importance of confession, repentance and prayers to the Black Nazarene. These will be held from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight today.

About 100 "Reconciliation Tents" to serve as "confession corners" will be set up along the sides of the Quirino Grandstand where priests will be available to hear confessions.

At 6 a.m. tomorrow, a high mass will be celebrated by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. This will be followed by an "Agape" or sharing of food by the devotees.

A "Paseo de Banda" or parade of bands, "Parangal kay Nazareno" performance of brass bands, and Bayanihan Dancers will be held after the mass, starting at about 9 a.m.

Finally, at 12 noon tomorrow, the traditional procession will bring the Nazarene image back to Quiapo Church in a motorcade, to be signaled by the ringing of bells by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.