Kadayawan Festival: Celebrate Davao City's Culture & Bounty

Welcome to the Kadayawan Festival, Davao City’s grandest and most vibrant celebration that honors the region’s rich cultural heritage and bountiful harvest. Held annually in August, this week-long festival is a spectacular showcase of Davao’s diverse indigenous cultures, agricultural abundance, and the vibrant spirit of its people. Named after the friendly greeting “Madayaw,” which means good, valuable, or beautiful, the Kadayawan Festival is a time of thanksgiving and joy.

The festival features a dazzling array of events and activities that captivate both locals and tourists. The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, a street dancing parade, is one of the festival’s highlights, where participants don colorful costumes and perform traditional dances to the rhythmic beat of native instruments. The Pamulak sa Kadayawan, a grand floral float parade, showcases the rich flora and produce of Davao, with intricately designed floats adorned with fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

In addition to the parades, the Kadayawan Festival includes various cultural presentations, tribal shows, and the Hiyas ng Kadayawan beauty pageant, which celebrates the beauty, intelligence, and cultural knowledge of young Davaoeñas. Food fairs, trade expos, and concerts add to the festive atmosphere, offering visitors a taste of Davao’s culinary delights and a chance to experience its dynamic local arts scene.

The Kadayawan Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a tribute to the harmonious relationship between the city’s indigenous communities, known as the Lumad, and the migrant settlers. It reflects the unity and resilience of the people of Davao and their deep connection to the land. Visitors to the festival will find themselves immersed in a rich tapestry of traditions, music, dance, and artistry that beautifully capture the essence of Davao City.

Plan your visit to the Kadayawan Festival and be part of this magnificent celebration of life, culture, and abundance. Experience the warmth and hospitality of Davao and take home unforgettable memories of this joyous and colorful event.