MAYTINIS 2018. In deference to the annual celebration of 'Maytinis' on Dec. 24, the municipal government of Kawit is closing temporarily (from 12 noon to 11 p.m.) the roads from Marulas Zeus, Cavitex Exit Marulas, Gahak, Panamitan, all the way to Kawit Fire Station in Potol Village. The closure is to give way to the float parade, one of the highlights of the day's festivities, and applies to all types of vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Maytinis 2018 Facebook page)
KAWIT, Cavite -- The municipal government here has released its traffic advisory to motorists on the temporary closure of roads in deference to the Christmas “Maytinis 2018” Festival on December 24.
An advisory from Kawit Tourism staff Rhouz G. Camposanto stated that the roads from Marulas Zeus, Cavitex Exit Marulas, Gahak, Panamitan, all the way to Kawit Fire Station in Potol Village will be closed to all types of vehicles from 12 noon to 11 p.m.
Organizers add that they will strictly adhere to the “no car pass, no entry” policy for the restricted roads.
The road closure will give way to the float parade, which will be arranged in chronological order, depicting the history of salvation followed by a pastor and "pastora" in colorful costumes typical of the characters they represent.
The annual “Maytinis” event highlights the journey of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary in search for an inn for Jesus Christ’s birth, thus requiring the long stretch of the procession around town.
In last year’s (2017) event, hundreds of church-goers, tourists and visitors flocked to witness the town’s annual Christmas eve tradition organized by the Confradia De Sagrada Familia St. Mary Magdalene Parish of this town.
A sure crowd drawer, “Maytinis” highlights the procession of floats where local folks are commissioned to portray various biblical characters like Adam and Eve, the Seven Archangels, brothers Cain and Abel, La Purisima Concepcion, Abraham, Moises, King David, Samson and Delilah, Infanta Judith and Queen Esther.
But beyond the event’s beauty and grandeur, for Archdiocese of Imus Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D. , said the festival highlights the simplicity and humility of the Lord Jesus which is “the spirit of the Christmas Season".
Some of last year's floats also personified some biblical scenes like God’s promise to Zacarias, the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, "Panunuluyan" (search for Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary ) and Anunciation by the angel Gabriel wherein he told the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus.
The theme of this year’s “Maytinis” is “Masagana Ating Yamang Tradisyon: Ingatan Natin, Isabuhay at Sariwain” (Our rich traditions and heritage: protect, live and refresh). (PNA)
