Thousands celebrate 400-year devotion of Filipinos to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Around 10,000 people on Friday joined the processions marking the 400th year since the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen or Our Lady of Mount Carmel arrived in the Philippines from Mexico.

According to a 24 Oras report by GMA News' Saleema Refran, thoroughfares were closed for a few hours to give way to the four-kilometer Traslacion to the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian.

The Dungaw, in which the Marian image "meets" the Black Nazarene, was a highly anticipated event.

The Black Nazarene image, carried by Hijas de Nazareno members, was brought out from the Quiapo Church for the activity.

Although the spectacle attracted up to 10,000 people, officials said the events were "generally peaceful."

According to Minor Basilica of San Sebastian Rector Fr. Antonio Joy Zabala, the feast was a much-needed religious celebration that brought Filipinos together.

"Sa panahon nating ito. Higit nating kailangan ang pamamatnubay ng ating ina. Marami na kasing mga batas ng tao na lumilihis sa batas ng Diyos," he said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News