Instead of one-week, Kadayawan sa Dabaw is now celebrated during the whole month of August!
This means that for 31 days, Davao – described as “city with a great soul” – will be in festive mood.
There’s something for everyone – locals, lumads, tourists, foreigners, spectators, adults and children.
After all, the festivity is structured as “the celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, and bounties of harvest and serenity of living.”
That seems to sum up Kadayawan, which comes from the Mandaya word “madayaw,” meaning “good, valuable, superior, or beautiful.”
During the launching of the 34th Kadayawan Festival at Dusit Hotel, Mayor “Inday” Sara Duterte-Carpio said: “I call on all Dabawenyos, lumads, Muslims and Christians to go out and not just enjoy the festivities, but to use Kadayawan as an opportunity to continue to learn about one another, about what makes our culture unique and similar.”
On August 1 until the 31st, the Kadayawan Village at Magsaysay Park will open from 10 in the morning until 10 in the evening. Here, you get to know the culture of the 11 ethno-linguistic tribes in the region: Ata, Iranun, Kagan, Klata-Guiangan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Matigsalug, Ovu Manuvu, Sama, Taga-bawa and Tausug.
In McArthur Highway, you get a glimpse of fresh harvest from the farms, taste of Davao food and delicacies, and some creative creations of the Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. Catch the Agri-Trade Fair from 8 in the morning till 6 in the evening from August 1 until August 31.
On August 2, join the opening mass, called Misa Pasasalamat, at Magsaysay Park. It will start at 3:30 in the afternoon. Thereafter, at 4:30 PM, the official re-enactment of convergence and the official opening ceremony will be held still in the same venue.
From there, you can proceed to the city hall since the Kadayawan sa Davao 3D Light Show will be lighted at 6 PM and will be turned off by 10 PM. If you miss the launching, don’t worry; the 3D light show will be displayed until August 25.
The Tabuan sa Kadayawan, a weekend market that features foods, plants, arts, dry good and Kadayawan-inspired products, is a must-go for everyone. This is at Santa Ana Wharf. It is not opened throughout the month but only on these dates: 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, and 23-25. Opens at 6 PM until 11 PM.
On August 3, at 8 AM, the Mugna Kadayawan, will be conducted. It is an on-the-spot wall art competition that narrates Davao community and will be held at Sta. Ana Wharf.
Bantawan Cultural Presentation have several dates: 3-4. 10, 17-18. This is a celebration that showcase the artisanal, food and cultural performances of the 11 tribes. The presentation will start at 5:30 PM.
On August 9, two events will take place. At Rizal Park, from 8 AM to 9 PM, it’s a fun-filled day for city government employees as they observe Araw ng mga Empleyado. At 3 PM in Abreeza Ayala Mall, the Habi Kadayawan – a fashion accessories and apparel design competition – will be held.
At RMC Petro Gazz Arena, the Hiyas sa Kadayawan will be crowned. The program will start at 3 PM.
On August 10-11, the Kadayawan Dragon Boat Festival will be held at Sta. Ana Wharf.
On August 16, the Dula Kadayawan – an experiential activity for tourists to interact with the tribes through their games – will commenced at 8 AM at People’s Park. By 2 PM, the Sayaw Kadayawan, an artistic fanfare of folklores, traditions and cultural practices inspired by the 11 tribes through dance – will start at SM City Davao.
On August 17, the much-awaited Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan – a street-dancing competition – will be held from Roxas Avenue to the Kadayawan Square in San Pedro Street. It will start at 7 AM.
From August 21-25, the Kadayawan Farmer’s Market will be held at Magsaysay Park from 9 in the morning until 10 in the evening.
At Matina Town Square, the Tunog Kadayawan, a song writing competition that showcase the living heritage of the city, will be conducted on August 23 at 7 PM.
On August 24, the highlights of abundance of Davao Region’s flora and fauna presented with artistry interpreted in decorative floats will be showcased through the Pamulak sa Kadayawan. Just like the street dancing, it will start at 7 AM from Roxas Avenue to Kadayawan Square.
Simultaneously with the floral float parade is the Pitik Kadayawan, a drumbeating competition. The same venue with the parade.
At 6 PM on August 24, San Pedro Street will be again the venue of Tambayayong Kadayawan, where performances of traditional dances and songs from different Ethno-linguistic groups will be done. It features the grand winners of the various Kadayawan competitions.
See you there!
