As Traslacion 2025 takes place, the carriage of Jesus Nazareno arrived at the San Sebastian Church for the “Dungaw” or “La Mirata” ritual hours later than last year due to devotees climbing the "andas" despite being urged to avoid it.
This year, the image of Jesus Nazareno met the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian at nearly 6 p.m., compared to around 3 p.m. last year.
Quiapo Church communications coordinator Silgen Frias Cabrito emphasized that the Dungaw is a historic practice between the San Sebastian and Quiapo churches, adding that it is the highlight of the Traslacion.
In 2024, Cabrito clarified that the Dungaw is a tradition intended to honor each patron of the churches rather than the common belief that it symbolizes the meeting of the Mother and Son at the Cross.
“Naiisip natin na ang dungaw ay pagtatagpo ng Ina sa kanyang Anak sa krus ngunit hindi. Ito po ay tradisyon na pagbibigay pugay sa bawat patron ng isang simbahan sa dinaanang simbahan. Ang Dungaw po ay paraan ng pagbibigay galang sa mga pinipintakasi ng bawat simbahan (People think that the Dungaw is the meeting of the Mother with her Son on the cross but it is not. This is a tradition to pay tribute to every patron of a church that the Nazarene passes. It is a way of paying respect to each church),” he said.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/9/quiapo-church-warns-vs-climbing-andas-during-traslacion-to-prevent-injuries-1#google_vignette