Kadayawan Festival: A Celebration of Life and Culture in Davao City
The Kadayawan Festival is an annual cultural celebration held in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. The festival takes place every third week of August and is a time for the locals to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and the gifts of nature. The festival is a showcase of the rich culture and heritage of the 11 tribes that inhabit the Davao region.
One of the highlights of the Kadayawan Festival is the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the street dancing competition. This event features dancers from different tribes dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes, showcasing their unique dances and traditions. Tourists flock to Davao City to witness this lively and vibrant event.
Aside from the street dancing competition, the festival also features other cultural activities such as art exhibits, concerts, and a floral float parade. Visitors can also indulge in the region’s famous durian fruit and other local delicacies. The festival is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the Davao region, and a time for locals and tourists alike to come together and revel in the festive atmosphere.
Historical Background
The festival’s roots can be traced back to the 1970s when the Mindanao Highlanders Association, Inc. (Mindahila) initiated a festival called “Kalibongan.” The festival celebrated the indigenous peoples’ culture and traditions in the region. In 1986, during the turbulent times of martial law, the Davao City government focused on uniting the people. Mayor Elias B. Lopez encouraged all the tribes of Davao to showcase their thanksgiving rituals. At this time, the festival was called “Apo Duwaling.”
In 1988, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte officially renamed the festival as Kadayawan. The word “Kadayawan” comes from the Mandaya word “madayaw,” which means valuable or treasured. The festival’s name reflects the city’s gratitude for its people’s bountiful harvest and diverse cultural heritage.
Since then, the Kadayawan Festival has become one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines. It is celebrated every third week of August, with the third day of the week declared as a holiday. In 1995, Mayor Duterte issued Executive Order No. 10 institutionalizing the celebration of Kadayawan every year.
Today, the Kadayawan Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration of the city’s culture and traditions. It features street dancing, floral floats, and exhibits showcasing the city’s indigenous products and crafts. The festival also highlights the city’s culinary delights, with food fairs and competitions featuring local delicacies.
Cultural Significance
The Kadayawan Festival is a showcase of the diverse ethnic tribes and groups in the region, including the Ata, Kagan, Iranun, Maranao, Klata, Tausug, Lumad, Matigsalug, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Maguindanaon, and many more.
The festival celebrates the bounties of harvest and the gifts of nature. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance of crops and the blessings of the land. The festival is also a celebration of unity and diversity. It is an opportunity for people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to come together and celebrate their shared traditions.
The Kadayawan Festival is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Mindanao. It is a celebration of their unique traditions, customs, and beliefs. The festival is an opportunity to preserve and promote their cultural identity and to showcase their contributions to Philippine culture.
The festival celebrates the Moro groups, ethnolinguistic tribes, and indigenous people of Mindanao. It is a time to honor their resilience, courage, and strength in the face of adversity. The festival is a reminder of their important role in shaping the history and culture of the Philippines.
Main Events
The Kadayawan festival’s main events include the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Pamulak sa Kadayawan, Dula Kadayawan, and Habi Kadayawan.
The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan is a street dancing competition that features different tribes from Davao City and neighboring provinces. It is one of the most highly anticipated events of the festival, drawing thousands of spectators every year. The performers showcase their colorful costumes and intricate dance moves as they parade through the streets of Davao City.
Another major event is the Hiyas sa Kadayawan, a beauty pageant that crowns the festival’s muse. The candidates represent the different indigenous groups of Davao City and compete in various categories, including traditional costume, talent, and intelligence.
The Pamulak sa Kadayawan is a grand floral parade that features beautifully decorated floats showcasing the bountiful harvest of Davao City. The parade takes place on the festival’s last day and draws huge crowds of locals and tourists alike.
The Dula Kadayawan is a sports competition that features traditional games played by the indigenous tribes of Davao City. The games include tug-of-war, sack race, and other physical challenges that test the strength and agility of the participants.
Finally, the Habi Kadayawan is a weaving competition that showcases the traditional textiles and fabrics of Davao City. The competition features different categories, including traditional clothing, bags, and other accessories.
Other events during the festival include the Bantawan Cultural Presentation, Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation, Kasikas sa Kadayawan, and Pitik Kadayawan. These events feature various performances, competitions, and cultural presentations that highlight the unique traditions and customs of Davao City.
Festival Highlights
The Kadayawan Festival is an annual event in Davao City that celebrates life, culture, and bountiful harvest. The festival is usually held every third week of August and is known for its grand celebrations such as street dancing, floral float parade, cultural festivities, street parties, and concerts. Despite the pandemic, the festival still went on in 2023, and it was a huge success.
One of the festival highlights is the Kadayawan Village where visitors can experience the rich culture and traditions of the 11 tribes of Davao City. The village showcases the tribes’ way of living, their music, dances, and crafts, making it an excellent opportunity to learn more about the local culture.
Another festival highlight is the Floral Float Parade, which features colorful and intricately designed floats adorned with fresh flowers and other natural materials. The parade usually starts at San Pedro Square and ends at Rizal Park, where visitors can enjoy various entertainment and cultural shows.
The Hiyas ng Kadayawan is another must-see event during the festival. It is a beauty pageant that showcases the beauty and intelligence of the young women from the different tribes of Davao City. The pageant is about physical beauty and the candidate’s knowledge of their tribe’s culture and traditions.
Food is also a significant part of the festival, and visitors can enjoy various local dishes and delicacies in different food stalls around the city. The festival also features a Kadayawan Tribal Village where visitors can buy local crafts and souvenirs.
Visitors can also explore the city’s attractions, such as the People’s Park, Davao City Hall, Abreeza Mall, and Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. There are also various hotels and accommodations available for visitors who want to stay and enjoy the festival for a more extended period.
Unique Features
The Kadayawan Festival is a fusion of ancient and modern traditions, and it showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous people of Davao.
One of the unique features of the Kadayawan Festival is the street dancing competition called “Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan.” This competition showcases the colorful and vibrant costumes of the various tribes and ethnic groups in Mindanao. The dancers perform to the beat of the drums and other traditional instruments, showcasing their unique dance moves and cultural practices.
Another unique feature of the Kadayawan Festival is the “Pag-abli sa Kadayawan,” a grand opening ceremony featuring the “Apo Duwaling Festival.” This festival is a celebration of the three royalties of Davao, namely Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, the Durian fruit, and the Waling-waling orchid, which is considered the queen of Philippine flowers.
During the Kadayawan Festival, various thanksgiving rituals are performed to honor the “Manama,” or the Supreme Being, and the “Bulan,” or the moon goddess. These rituals are performed to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and the blessings of nature.
Aside from the traditional rituals and dances, the Kadayawan Festival also features a fashion show showcasing local designers’ works. This fashion show highlights the unique and colorful fabrics and designs of the Mindanaoan culture.
Role of Indigenous Tribes
The Kadayawan Festival features different communities in Mindanao dancing in vibrant costumes that highlight their indigenous heritage.
The indigenous tribes play a significant role in the Kadayawan Festival. They are the heart and soul of the festival, and their presence is felt throughout the celebration. The Kadayawan Executive Committee works closely with the indigenous tribes to ensure that their traditions and culture are properly represented in the festival.
One of the highlights of the festival is the cultural presentation, where each tribe showcases their unique customs and traditions through dance and music. The Madayaw, a ritual of thanksgiving, is also an essential part of the festival. The Madayaw is a way for the indigenous tribes to express their gratitude for the bountiful harvest and the blessings of nature.
The Agong, a traditional gong used by the indigenous tribes, is also an essential part of the festival. The sound of the Agong is heard throughout the festival, and it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Davao region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the activities during Kadayawan Festival?
Kadayawan Festival is a week-long celebration that features various activities such as street dancing, floral float parade, indigenous sports competitions, agro-industrial trade fairs, and food festivals. There are also cultural shows, art exhibits, and fashion shows that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Davao City.
What is the history of Kadayawan Festival?
Kadayawan Festival is an annual celebration of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and the diverse cultures of Davao City. It traces its roots to the pre-colonial era when the indigenous tribes of Davao, such as the Bagobo, Mansaka, and Mandaya, gathered to celebrate a bountiful harvest and offer their gratitude to the gods.
What is the place of origin of Kadayawan Festival?
Kadayawan Festival originated in Davao City, which is located in the southern part of the Philippines. It is a city known for its diverse culture, abundant natural resources, and vibrant economy.
What is the cultural background of Kadayawan Festival?
Kadayawan Festival celebrates the diverse cultures of Davao City, particularly the indigenous tribes that have lived in the region for centuries. It is a celebration of their rich cultural heritage, unique customs and traditions, and deep connection to the land.
What is Kadayawan Festival known for?
Kadayawan Festival is known for its colorful and vibrant celebrations that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Davao City. It is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest, and the serenity of living.
What is the main event in Kadayawan Festival?
The main event in the Kadayawan Festival is the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, a street dancing competition featuring various indigenous tribes from Davao City. It is a colorful and lively event that showcases the unique dances, music, and costumes of the different tribes.
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