A DAY before thousands of devotees will flock to mark the feast of Black Nazarene, vendors selling various Black Nazarene items are queuing up in front of the Nazareno Parish along C.M. Recto Avenue in Cagayan de Oro City.
Items such as Nazareno handkerchiefs, calendar, novena booklets, anklets, bracelets, necklaces, posters, healing oil, and even fans with the Nazareno's image are being sold outside the church.
Small replicas of the Black Nazarene are also sold from P200-P1,200.
Margie Tuico, a vendor, said the products come from the Quiapo Church in Manila where the Black Nazarene is the patron saint.
"Nag-expect gayud mi na mahalinan gihapon labi na daghang tao nianang adlawa," Tuico said.
To prevent chaos and injury among devotees, Nazareno Church Parish Priest Fr. Jose Alan Pulgo met last week with the vendors requesting them not to put up their stalls in front of the church.
"Ato silang gihangyo na didto sila sa unahan mamaligya kay kung muabot nata diha sa simbahan, likayan unta nato ang naay ma-ipit. Ang mga vendors posibleng makadugang sa kaguot sa lugar," Pulgo said.
Should vendors disregard the order, Pulgo said police will enforce necessary actions to clear the entrance of the church.
"Maminaw lang unta kay we would make this feast a solemn and peaceful one," he added.
Gingging Suazo, also a vendor, said she understands the priest's order as it is only for the greater good.
Police estimated about 500,000 people from all over Mindanao and even Visayas to attend this major religious event this month.
Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Superintendent Danildo Tumanda reminds revelers to refrain from bringing unnecessary items.
He added that toddlers, pregnant, and those who have illnesses are discouraged to join the festivity especially during the traslacion.