Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival: A Celebration of Life
Paradise Philippines – Here’s an event to look forward to in August: The Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival. The Davao region, located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao, is a picturesque paradise best known as a sanctuary of nature’s finest. This Philippine province boasts of a unique array of flora and fauna including the country’s largest crocodile, the Philippine Eagle and the waling-waling orchid.
Every year, on the third week of August, the province shows gratitude for its bountiful riches with the Kadayawan sa Dabaw. The festivities are in line with the season for harvesting fruits and flowers.
The festival is an off-shoot of the government initiated program called “Unlad Proyekto Davao”. It was institutionalized in 1986 in an effort to unite the Dabawenyos after the turbulent Martial Law years and to project the city as a great place to do business. It was originally called “Apo Duwaling”after the famous icons of the province: the majestic Mt. Apo, the Durian fruit and the Waling-waling. Two years later, it was renamed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” to better reflect the merry spirit and indigenous theme of the festival.
For 2007, the Kadyawan sa Davao Foundation Inc., the City Government of Davao and Globe Telecom have teamed up to organize a grand celebration. This year will mark the 21st celebration of the festival. The series of events is slated to begin on August 14 and will culminate on the 20th. This festival is expected to boost investment and tourism in the Davao-Mindanao area. It is also seen as a venue to promote the arts and culture of the region.
Experience this year’s showcase of creative talents with an exciting line-up of cultural events:
- August 14 - Pasalamat (Festival Opening and Promenade), Tingog Kadayawan (Concert of 200 Voices)
- August 15- Tugtog World Music Festival (World Music Festival)
- August 16- Hiyas sa Kadayawan (Search for Festival Symbol), Urog Etnika (Mindanao Fashion Showcase)
- August 17- Suba sa Kinabuhi (Davao River Festival), Agongan ug Kulintangan (Indigenous Music Festival)
- August 18- Sayaw Mindanaw (Mindanao Indigenous Dance Festival)
- August 19- Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (Whole Day Street Dancing), Yanog ug Yugyugan sa Kadalanan (Street Disco)
- August 20- Halad (Floral Float Parade), Banda Lanog (Parade Band Competition).
- August 11 to 20 - Kaan Dawet (Food Street Fiesta)
- August 1 to 21 - Hudyaka (Nightly Concerts)
- August 14 to 20 - Tabo (Agro-Industrial Fair)