Black Nazarene devotees witness 'Dungaw' of Traslacion 2024

The meeting of Jesus and His mother, the Virgin Mary, was heralded by the tolling of the bells at San Sebastian Church and the cheers of "Viva! Viva!" from a sea of devotees, raising their hands in the air.

The crowd was fervent, with many devotees seated and standing along the narrow streets of Hidalgo, extending through Plaza Del Carmen where the image of Nuestra Señora Del Carmen was seated. 

The Black Nazarene arrived at Plaza del Carmen, outside San Sebastian Church, to rendezvous with the Virgin Mary at 2:57 pm.

The Dungaw concluded earlier than expected, surpassing the 2020 record of 4:33 p.m. The stop was brief, followed by prayers before the Nazarene was carted on its way to Bilibid Viejo Street.

Devotees of all ages, including first-timers and long-time faithfuls, gathered to witness the Dungaw. Some brought their children, babies, and ailing parents.

Jane, a first-time devotee, mentioned that she chose to watch the "Dungaw" instead of participating in the procession of the Black Nazarene.

“Mas pinili ko na lang na panoorin itong dungaw, kasi sabi nila ito raw yung highlight ng Traslacion. Atsaka parang mas malapit ka dito kay Hesus at Maria,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tony, a 45-year-old long-time devotee of the Black Nazarene, mentioned that he initially joined the procession at Arlegui Street before proceeding to San Sebastian.

“Mas solemn kasi dito. Para sa akin ha, mas dama ko dito si Jesus,” he shared. 

In the corner of San Sebastian Church, a family from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, was giving bread and bottles of water to the devotees.

One of its family members, Stella Calimag, said that aiding their fellow devotees with snacks is part of their devotion to the Black Nazarene. 

“Every year, we do this. We have to give something in return. That’s part of our devotion,” she told GMA News Online.

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.

It 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.

This is the eighth year of the Dungaw tradition since its revival in 2014.

—CACM, GMA Integrated News