1.2 million pilgrims troop to Our Lady of Manaoag
HOLY WEEK OBSERVANCE
MANAOAG—Some 1.2 million pilgrims from Pangasinan and its neighboring provinces flocked to the popular Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag as of Maundy Thursday in observance of Holy Week.
The police estimated that 50,000 devotees came daily beginning Palm Sunday, and this ballooned to over a million by Thursday, many of whom came by foot.
The flow of vehicular traffic proved a challenge for the police as there were not enough parking spaces in the area.
Food stalls and other facilities also proved insufficient for the number of visitors.
The police admitted the situation was a logistical nightmare but still managed to control traffic and closely monitored crowded areas for pickpockets and bag-snatchers.
The pilgrims also visited the “Virgin’s Well” in Barangay Pugaro, passing through a dirt road leading north.
A big crowd stayed on until Friday night for the vigil and prayers commemorating the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
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