KAWIT, Cavite -- Thousand of revelers and holiday-goers from Cavite and neighboring areas flocked to the roadside from Marulas Zeus, Cavitex Exit Marulas, Gahak, Panamitan, all the way to Kawit Fire Station in Potol Village Sunday for this year’s “Maytinis” festival organized by Confradia De Sagrada Familia of St. Mary Magdalene Parish here.
The procession of floats, which started 6 p.m., featured local folks/talents who were 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.
Beyond the event’s beauty and grandeur, the festival highlighted the simplicity of our Lord Jesus born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, (who) connected and touched our lives which, for Archdiocese of Imus Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D. was “the spirit of the Christmas season.”
Some floats also personified some biblical scenes like God’s promise to Zacarias, the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, and the Annunciation by angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary.
Kawit parish priest Armando P. Manaog hopes that the annual “Maytinis” observance will be passed on to the next generations to show the true essence of Christmas season alive: where God showed his love to the world by sending His only begotten Son to save us all.
This year’s theme: “Paskong Pilipino sa Kawit, Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon” is a celebration of unity, said Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla in his message.
Remulla said that as much as the festival is meant to honor God and the Savior Jesus Christ, the governor of Cavite hopes that the celebration “will make us realize not only our local history but (also) the values we all share.”
Kawit Mayor Angelo Emilio G. Aguinaldo likens the festival to a journey to salvation, not just for oneself but to all who need its blessing and encourages all to start the salvation of those in despair and who needs it.
Spouses Robert Dennis and Mary Grace Diaz sponsored most of the festivities expenses as this year’s “Ama at Ina.”
Now based abroad, the Diaz couple considers this Christmas eve festival as a family tradition which makes them go back home to relive this unique colorful and festive Christmas celebration, and re-connect anew with their families and townsfolks.
Spotted in the crowd is newly appointed Provincial Tourism head Elinia Imelda Rozelle S. Sanagang, who assumed her post in mid-October this year.
Sanagang has committed to support the various Cavite festivals in the future.
Asked for the Provincial Tourism’s thrust next year, Sanagang said that people could expect for a more aggressive tourism campaigns next year, focusing on the provincial governor’s thrusts to highlight the province eco-tourism offerings and engage more in digital promotion, “we might come up with our own branding and have a dedicated website for tourism.”
The annual Maytinis event highlights the journey of St. Joseph and Virgin Mary in search for an inn for Jesus Christ’s birth until they find a manger, which nativity scene is a famous symbolism of Christmas in various occasions/decorations. (PNA)
