What is the 'Dungaw' rite during Traslacion?

For the first time since 2020, the grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene, also known as the Traslacion, will be conducted as part of the celebrations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

With the return of the Traslacion comes the revival of its subsequent rite, the “Dungaw” of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian.

Who is Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian? 

The Image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen of San Sebastián Minor Basilica of Quiapo, Manila is the first image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Philippines.

The sacred image was brought to the Philippines in 1618 by Spanish Recoletos on their 3rd mission to the country, led by Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel.

It was canonically crowned on August 18, 1991, and was called the Queen of Quiapo. 

But what exactly is this “Dungaw” tradition?

A meeting 

According to the San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc., the “Dungaw” rite, also known as La Mirata, is one of the highlights during the procession of the Black Nazarene.

During the ritual, the Black Nazarene briefly stops at the Minor Basilica and Parish of San Sebastian to meet the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian.

A religious courtesy 

While some believe that the 'Dungaw' rites are a re-enactment of the meeting between the Mother and Son at the Way of the Cross, it is not.

This rite represents a religious courtesy between the King and Queen of Quiapo, meeting majestically to guide the faithful in prayer.

It was discontinued in the 1900s but was revived in 2014 

The origins of the "Dungaw" are unknown due to limited historical records. The meeting rites were discontinued for unknown reasons in the early 1900s but it was revived in 2014. The Archdiocese of Manila officially approved and published the rites and prayers used in the ceremony in 2016.

A symbol of maternal love 

According to San Sebastian, the "Dungaw" rite serves as a symbol of maternal love, inviting reflection and prayer on the journey towards the ultimate destination – to be with Mary and her Son, the Nazarene.

Thousands of devotees — long-time and first-timers are expected to join the grand procession of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. 

Here are some tips on how to survive the Traslacion, as well as dos and don'ts for a safe, and orderly celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CACM, GMA Integrated News