Guapa Festival: The Del Carmen of Quipo Enthronement Rites

After the 10:00 mass, the image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was taken down from its niche. I initially thought this was the original image, turns out it was just a replica. That explains why the attendants handling the image were not careful at all as you can see in the video below...one was even vigorously shaking the image since they are having a hard time removing it from the base or peana...poor replica image...



Preparations for the Enthronement


The main entrance of the church was closed...


From the inside...


And the replica image was taken down...


Those inside are anticipating what will happen next...

Outside San Sebastian



Fellow Santo Enthusiasts gather waiting for the image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to exit the building. It feels like waiting for a celebrity and we are the paparazzi...





























































Enthronement

Guapa Festival: The Del Carmen of Quiapo

I am not sure if staging the Guapa Festival is another revival (following the Patanaw during the Black Nazarenes transalacion from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church) but its something I was eager to witness ever since I saw the ads in Facebook.

July 6- Enthronement of the Ivory Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Being excited and all we arrived at San Sebastian quite early. I thought going to  Manila is always troublesome because of the traffic but its a Sunday and from Antipolo to Quiapo, driving was a breeze. Thus we arrived earlier than planned and ended up attending 3 masses. My friend jokingly said we are covered for the whole month of July.

The Iron Church



San Sebastian is known as the only church in Asia made from Iron. It's a beautiful church, with its Gothic architecture and tall towers. Looking at the old photos of Sto. Domingo in Intramuros, I realized that being inside San Sebastian is like experiencing the old Sto. Domingo which added to my excitement as I explore the church once again.

The first time I visited this church was last year, sadly the church was in total darkness so I was not able to appreciate it much since it's pitch black inside...today is different...



The Church Interior













Church Altar

















Santos and Santas







































Church Grounds