Maytinis, Only in Kawit

We move to Kawit, Cavite when I was ten. Kawit is not only a historic town but a religious one as well. Maytinis is a Hispanic inspired tradition wherein a dozen a floats tells the story of Virgin Mary’s nativity.

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 a hermana 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.

I’ve only witness two Maytinis parade as public vehicle is scarce during the parade.