The Minor Basilica and Parish of San Sebastian in Manila will temporarily close its gates to the public on January 9, 2026. This closure is a key part of the church's final preparations for the upcoming Feast of the Jesus Nazareno and its associated traditional events.
Schedule of Closure and Mass Adjustments
According to an official social media announcement from the San Sebastian Church, the basilica's gates will be secured after the 7 a.m. Mass on January 9. The church emphasized that the closure is necessary to facilitate the intricate preparations for the "dungaw" tradition, a poignant highlight of the annual grand procession.
The holy site will resume its normal operations on January 10, 2026. On that day, the regular Mass schedules of 6 a.m., 7 a.m., and 6 p.m. will be observed.
Pre-Feast Activities and the Traditional "Dungaw"
Preparations will begin even before the closure. On January 8, after the 6 p.m. Mass, the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastián will be transferred from the main altar to its shrine via a solemn procession.
The church stated that preparations are continuous for the feast and the "traditional ‘dungaw’ of His Mother, Nuestra Señora Del Carmen de San Sebastian." The "dungaw" is a deeply moving moment during the grand procession of the iconic image of Jesus Nazareno on January 9. As the procession passes the San Sebastian Church on its way from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, the image of the Virgin Mary is brought to a balcony or window to "gaze" upon her son, creating a brief but powerful meeting of the two revered icons.
Impact on Devotees and the Grand Procession
This temporary closure is a standard operational measure to ensure the safety and solemnity of the "dungaw" ceremony. It allows church personnel to properly position the image of the Virgin and manage the area outside the basilica, which will be crowded with thousands of devotees witnessing the event.
The annual grand procession, known for drawing millions of devotees, will proceed as planned from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church. The brief pause at San Sebastian Church for the "dungaw" remains one of the most anticipated spiritual moments of the entire feast day, symbolizing the sorrow of Mary witnessing the passion of Christ.
