MAY TINIS 2012

Like many other traditions, the origin of Maytinis is shrouded in mystery, no one knows exactly when or how it started. But it is commonly believed that the Maytinis cannot be less than three centuries old, since the Kawit Church itself was built around 370 years ago. The most common belief as to how the MAYTINIS begun is that it was probably started by the Spanish Priests to facilitate the natives' understanding of the Catholic Religion. Kawit, three centuries ago, could very well be a preliterate society made up of simple folk who can only deal with practical things. Thus, there was a great need for presenting the religious teachings and constructs by the use of what is visible, and the festival called MAYTINIS answered this need.

The MAYTINIS is essentially a portrayal of the history of mankind's salvation, from the Old to the New Testaments. A procession is held in which various Biblical scenes and characters are portrayed by means of picturesque floats.

The responsibility of organizing the annual MAYTINIS celebration rests on the shoulders of the Confradia de Sagrada Familia in cooperation and coordination with the Pastoral Council.

The Confradia choose the "AMA" (Hermano Mayor) and the "INA" (Hermana Mayora) for the year who acts as the principal sponsors of the "MAYTINIS" festival.

Normally the floats started with Adam and Eve. The whole activity focuses on the birth of Baby Jesus Christ. The parade features many biblical characters such as David, Goliath, Moses and others. The holy couple is the main attraction. The parade also evolves with the change of time. During the 1986 revolution, some floats tell the story of how the rebel soldiers topple the Marcos government and seated Cory Aquino into power.

The town elected the hermana/hermano mayor every year. The hermana mayor is a sort of chairman of the activity. Each barangay was given a permanent float assignment. Our barangay always prepare the Adam and Eve float ever since I can remember.

Maytinis is held annually, every December 24 at around 8pm. The parade usually starts at the barangay where the hermana leaves and always end in Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church in the heart of the town.