CONFRADIA DE SAGRADA FAMILIA
St. Mary Magdalene Parish
Kawit, Cavite, Philippines
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.