Amid the sea of devotees and the long procession routes during the Feast of the Black Nazarene, many faithful also look forward to a deeply symbolic rite involving two revered religious images in Quiapo.

Known as ‘Dungaw,’ the rite is part of the Traslacion in which the image of the Black Nazarene briefly stops at Plaza del Carmen to “meet” the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen of the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian before continuing its journey back to Quiapo Church.

The ritual is also referred to as “La Mirata,” or “the look” or “gaze.” Limited historical records indicate that the origins of the practice remain unclear, though it is believed to have begun in the early 1900s and was revived in 2014.

While some devotees believe the act symbolizes maternal love, reenacting the meeting of a mother and son, others view it as a gesture of “religious courtesy” between what are popularly called the “King and Queen of Quiapo.”

In 2016, the Archdiocese of Manila officially published the rites and prayers associated with the Dungaw ceremony.

Black Nazarene

The origins of the Black Nazarene trace back to the 17th century, when a Mexican sculptor carved a dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross. Spanish missionaries brought the image to the Philippines in 1606.

Devotion to the Black Nazarene is largely rooted in beliefs surrounding miracles, healing, and the fulfillment of personal vows, commonly known as panata. Many devotees mirror Christ’s suffering during the rites, particularly the poor, who see their own hardships reflected in the image.

Nuestra Señora del Carmen of the Minor Basilica of San Sebastian

Nuestra Señora del Carmen is recognized as the Philippines’ first documented venerated image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The image was a gift from Discalced Mexican Carmelite nuns in 1618.

The image is also associated with numerous miracles, leading to its pontifical coronation on Aug. 18, 1991. It has since been referred to as the “Queen of Quiapo,” as it is enshrined at the San Sebastian Basilica in Quiapo, Manila.