San Sebastian Church releases ‘Dungaw’ 2026 schedule

The celebration of the traditional Traslacion in Manila on January 9 includes the “Dungaw,” a subsequent rite involving Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian.

The “Dungaw” is a ritual in which the image of Jesus Nazareno briefly stops at the Minor Basilica and Parish of San Sebastian to meet the Marian image.

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

Here is the schedule of activities for this year’s “Dungaw”:

January 8

• A Eucharistic celebration will be held at 6 p.m.
• The image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian will then be brought down from the Retablo Mayor, followed by a procession.

January 9

• Eucharistic celebrations will be held at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. only.
• The basilica’s doors will be closed after the 7 a.m. Mass.

January 10

• The basilica’s doors will reopen, with Masses scheduled at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., and 6 p.m.

According to San Sebastian Church, the “Dungaw” rite serves as a symbol of maternal love, inviting reflection and prayer on the journey toward the ultimate destination—to be with Mary and her Son, the Nazarene.

Meanwhile, a new queue system for the “pahalik” of the image of Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand will be implemented, as Quiapo Church targets to complete the Traslacion within 15 hours.

For a safe and orderly Traslacion, devotees are urged to follow the directives of Quiapo Church and authorities.—MCG, GMA Integrated News