Davao : Gateway to Mindanao
Dubbed the “Gateway to Mindanao,” the first class urban burg is the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao and the Davao Region.
One of the Philippines’ key business districts, the progressive and rapidly advancing metro is currently the regional capital of Southern Mindanao and the island’s premier agricultural and financial hub — as well as its center for trade.
The City’s location on the Davao River and Davao Gulf has made it a top shipping and trade center. Its numerous ports handle inter-island passenger traffic and the local and international shipment of the region’s many agricultural produce: such as abaca, copra, corn, and rice.
On a fun note, Davao City is also nicknamed “The Durian Capital of the Philippines” with the Durian Dome as a beloved landmark in the expansive Davao People’s Park. The city boasts one of the colorful and much anticipated festivals in the Philippines, the “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” where indigenous peoples take center stage. Davao is also home to Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak and habitat of the famed Philippine monkey-eating eagle.
The city enjoys a mildly pleasant climate year round. With its dynamic-yet-peaceful and east-meets-west vibe, it is fast becoming one of the most preferred places to live and work. The city is known for its peace and quiet, cleanliness, and greenery, while being a leading culinary and shopping hub beyond Metro Manila. All this, and so much more, make Davao City an ideal place to invest in, and a marvelous place to raise a family.
Gearing up for the Kadayawan Festival
Davao City is again busy with preparations to celebrate its annual Kadayawan Festival this August. This year, the theme “Colors of Abundance, Vibrance of Diversity, Festival of Festivals” promises participants a musical and visual feast.
Like other colorful festivals in the Philippines, Kadayawan is a thanksgiving that celebrates nature’s bountiful harvest. But what makes this festival unique? Below, we uncover the history of Kadayawan and give a preview of the activities to look forward to this year.
How did Kadayawan Festival start?
Kadayawan has made its mark as one of the much-awaited Davao festivals that bring locals and tourists out on the streets each year. But did you know that Davao City previously celebrated a different festivity?
Back in the early 1980s, the local celebration centered on three main symbols: the Mount Apo, waling-waling, and durian. These three natural wonders were merged to start Apo Duwaling, a grand celebration that buoyed local spirits even during turbulent times.
Later on, the central figure of the festivities diverted from the natural elements and focused on its ethnic tribes or indigenous people and their thanksgiving rituals. Eventually, the festivity was officially renamed to Kadayawan, from the Mandaya word madayaw, meaning “treasured.”
At present, the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City Philippines is both a celebration of good harvest time and the collective group of indigenous people living in the Davao Region. As such, the festival’s themes and activities heavily involve all the Davao Tribes.
What are activities in Kadayawan Festival?
Kadayawan Festival has evolved from a week-long merriment into a celebration that spans an entire month. With the collaboration of the Davao City government and the private sector, it has become grander throughout the year.
This 2023, the “festival of festivals” goes even bigger with its expanded list of activities that locals and tourists will enjoy.
Pamulak sa Kadalanan (August 20, 2023)
First on the list is Pamulak sa Kadalanan or Pamulak Kadayawan, a floral float parade that is one of the most visually stunning highlights of the Kadayawan Festival. Though themes change every year, these floats often carry common images depicting the celebration of life, bountiful harvest, and local myths and legends.
Moreover, the participating floats do not only showcase flowers but also fruits and other indigenous items that are the pride of Davao. As such, the parade route runs through the city’s main streets, allowing attendees to witness the show even from the roadsides.
Overall, Pamulak sa Kadalanan is a celebration of art, culture, and nature. Additionally, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Kadayawan Festival—a joyous occasion that highlights the beauty, diversity, and richness of Davao and its people.
Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (August 19, 2023)
Aside from the vibrant floral parade, Kadayawan also has its own version of a street dancing competition called the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan. This vibrant event showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage as different indigenous groups participate, adorning themselves in their intricate and colorful tribal costumes.
With each step, dancers proudly represent their unique traditions, telling the stories of their ancestors through mesmerizing movements and synchronized choreography.
For a day, roads around the City Hall close to make way for Indak Indak sa Kadalanan, the street dancing spectacle at San Pedro Square. Attendees often find themselves immersed in the rhythmic traditional music and the kaleidoscopic colors of the costumes. This creates an unforgettable experience that is the core of the Kadayawan Festival.
Habi Kadayawan (Awarding on August 12, 2023)
After a four-year hiatus, Habi Kadayawan makes a triumphant return to Davao City in 2023. This event is set to showcase a Mindanao-wide competition that celebrates the beauty of indigenous-inspired apparel and fashion accessories.
To add to the excitement, the stage will be shared by both up-and-coming designers and skilled indigenous artisans. The grand finale for this showcase will take place on August 12, where the captivating display of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and cultural narratives will undoubtedly captivate the audience.
Ultimately, Habi Kadayawan’s goal is to foster creativity while honoring and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Hiyas ng Kadayawan (August 17, 2023)
Adding to the vibrant costumes and cultural heritage showcase of the Kadayawan Festival, another cherished event shines a spotlight on local beauty: the Hiyas ng Kadayawan pageant. This prestigious competition celebrates the grace and charm of young women who embody the essence of Davao’s cultural heritage.
In fact, previous editions of the pageant centered around the ten tribes of Davao, highlighting the diverse cultural tapestry of the region. Through the Hiyas ng Kadayawan event, the festival pays homage not only to the richness of tradition but also to the empowering spirit of young women who serve as ambassadors of their communities, symbolizing the beauty and unity that Kadayawan Festival stands for.
Other events
Aside from these major events, this year’s Kadayawan Festival is even more festive with the following celebrations:
Kasikas sa Kadayawan
Dula Kadayawan
Bantawan Cultural Celebration
Tabuan sa Kadayawan
Kadayawan Festival is just one of the main tribal festivals in Davao City. Also part of the roster of Davao festivals is the Araw ng Dabaw, which celebrates the city’s charter day anniversary every March.
How to prepare for Kadayawan Festival sa Dabaw?
Are you planning to visit Davao during the Kadayawan Festival? Take note of the dates of the events you would like to see and prepare your itinerary accordingly. You can make the most of your trip by exploring the city’s top tourist attractions, and the best place to start is the iconic People’s Park.
To enhance your experience, make sure to also try and savor the best food offerings from the weekend markets. Here, you will find a wide selection of food, from delectable durian treats to mouthwatering seafood dishes.
Finally, one of the most important travel tips to remember is to be mindful of local laws. For instance, Davao City has a smoke-free ordinance, which helps keep the environment healthy for locals and tourists alike.
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