Kadayawan Festival
Davao's premier harvest festival celebrating indigenous culture, arts, and thanksgiving
The Kadayawan Festival is Davao City's most celebrated cultural event, held every third week of August. This vibrant festival is a thanksgiving celebration for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, and the bounties of harvest and serenity of living.
The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Davao's 11 indigenous tribes through colorful street dancing, elaborate floral floats, and traditional performances that captivate both locals and tourists.
Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan
Street dancing competition featuring indigenous tribes in colorful traditional costumes
Pamulak sa Kadayawan
Floral float parade showcasing Davao's abundant flowers and agricultural products
Hiyas sa Kadayawan
Beauty pageant celebrating the diverse cultures of Davao's indigenous communities
Dula sa Kadayawan
Cultural presentations and traditional performances by various ethnic groups
The word "Kadayawan" comes from the Dabawenyo word "madayaw," meaning good, valuable, superior, or beautiful. The festival originated from the ethnic tribes' thanksgiving rituals for abundant harvests.
Indigenous Tribes Featured
- • Ata Tribe
- • Bagobo Tribe
- • Klata Tribe
- • Maguindanao Tribe
- • Maranao Tribe
- • Obo Manobo Tribe
Traditional Elements
- • Tribal dances and music
- • Traditional costumes and accessories
- • Indigenous crafts and artwork
- • Local delicacies and cuisine
- • Agricultural displays
When
Third week of August (annually)
Where
Davao City, Philippines
Duration
7-10 days
Best Spots: Roxas Avenue for street dancing, People's Park for cultural shows
Golden Hour: Early morning parades offer the best lighting
Equipment: Bring telephoto lens for crowd shots and wide-angle for floats
Respect: Always ask permission before photographing indigenous performers
Durian: The king of fruits, Davao's most famous export
Pomelo: Sweet and juicy citrus fruit
Rambutan: Tropical fruit with sweet, translucent flesh
Marang: Local fruit with custard-like texture
Tuna Sashimi: Fresh from General Santos waters
Accommodation
Book hotels early as the city gets crowded during festival week
Transportation
Francisco Bangoy International Airport serves Davao City
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, camera, and cash for local vendors