“Kadayawan sa Dabaw” is an enriching experience with a difference as its explores the past, present and future of the Davaoeños, the Mindanaoans, the Filipinos. Its sights and sounds remain unparalleled. Be part of the experience.
“Du-aw na sa Dabaw! Duyog sa Kadayawan! Maglingaw-lingaw ta!”
Festival Events
Pasasalamat (August 15)
This event is the formal opening rituals of the festival with an ecumenical ceremony.
World Music Festival (August 15)
This event is a songwriting competition based on indigenous rhythm and the musical traditions evoking universal themes of love, hope and virtuous existence.
Indigay sa Lumadnong Dula (August 15 & 16)
An array of indigenous traditional community sports participated by indigenous people, barangay folks and youth to foster cross-cultural relations, cooperation and unity, and to nurture the city’s culture of peace.
Hiyas sa Kadayawan (August 13 & 17)
The gender-free search for the Festival Symbol with Mindanawon appeal to promote Davao City and Mindanao, its products and industries, particularly fashion, tourism and floriculture presented in a pageant, a fashion extravaganza juxtaposed with a tribal folklore.
Urog Etnika (August 17)
This event is a showcase of ingenuity, creativity and artistry of Mindanao-based fashion, floral and make-up artists. Locally woven fabrics, fibers and accessories, and other materials endemic to Mindanao will be utilized. The creations will be worn and modeled by the Hiyas sa Kadayawan finalists.
Davao River Festival (August 18)
A celebration performed along a celebration of life in the historic Davao River bringing to the fore the beginnings of the pioneering communities of Davao and the ecological concerns of the Davaeños.
Agongan ug Kulintangan (August 18)
This event is a showcase of musical skills and dexterity in the playing of agong, kulintang, gabang and other indigenous musical instruments participated by the indigenous elders and young enthusiasts of the tribal arts.
Bagobo Horsefight (August 19)
This is a famous Bagobo tradition where native stallions are made to compete for a chosen mare.
Davao Indigenous People’s Festival (August 19)
This is a tribute to the tribal elders from various indigenous and Muslim tribes fostering inter-generational legacy. This is also a showcase of Davao’s indigenous cultures culminating in traditional songs and dances and the presentation of their respective “Byaneng”.
Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (August 20)
A peoples’ celebration through street dancing and merriment to the beat of tribal music along the major streets of Davao City, highlighted by choreographed theatrics.
Yanog ug Yugyugan sa Kadalanan (August 20)
Disco dancing on the streets with reverberating sounds of live bands and the best FM stations in town with simultaneous concerts, dancing and night partying in Davao’s popular entertainment enclaves.
Floral Float Parade (August 21)
This is a parade of florally dressed floats of various shapes and sizes showcasing the abundant vegetation of the Davao Region.
Continuing Events
Mindanao Festivals Expo (August 14-21)
The sights and sounds of the major festivals in the island of Mindanao back-dropped by the sceneries of their host cities and municipalities.
Agro-Industrial Trade Fair (August 6-28)
This is a Mindanao trade fair participated by farmers, plant growers, handicraft producers and manufacturers with a floriculture exhibit and a competitive displays of outstanding, rare and indigenous floras found in many gardens in the Philippines.
Kaan Dawet (August 14-21)
This is a food and music fiesta where all can feast on Davao cuisine and dance all night to the beats of indigenous and contemporary music bands.
Davao Arts Exhibits (August 1-31)
This is an exposition of Mindanao tribal arts and selected photographs and paintings by Davao’s artists.
Dagway Kadayawan (September 1-11)
A photo exhibit of the best entries in a competition open to amateur and professional photographers who will visualize, record and document the various festivities of the Kadayawan.
