Kadayawan Festival 2017 - Schedule of Activities

This is the time of the year where Davaoeños celebrate life, nature and abundant harvest through its Kadayawan Festival.

Kadayawan derives from the word "Madayaw" which could be translated to something that is precious, beautiful and a treasured valuable. This is a week celebration which will run starting Monday, August 14, 2017 until Sunday, August 20, 2017. 

Here is the official calendar of events for Kadayawan Festival 2017: 

Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan (Opening Ceremony) 

August 14 (Monday), 4PM

Magsaysay Park

The festival will open with an ecumenical thanksgiving service for the year of blessing and bounty. To start the celebration, the color and culture of the father tribes of Davao will be showcased through music and dance. 

Kadayawan Village and Bantawan - Cultural Show

August 14-20 (Monday - Sunday)

Magsaysay Park

The eleven tribal communities in Davao City, namely: Tagabawa, Klata, Ovu Manuvu, Ata Manuvu, Matigsalog, Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Sama, Kagan, and Iranon - take center stage withe their cultural pride and identity. A story tld through a showcase of authentic lifestyle, performances, craft-making, ritual and costumes.

Habi Kadayawan

August 17 (Thursday), 5PM

SM Lanang Premier

Kadayawan-inspired professional fashion competition. 

Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo (Fluvial Float Parade)

August 18 (Friday), 7AM

Tionko Field

A celebratory restaging of the first Davao settlement along the Davao River participated by the eleven tribal communities in the city who will traverse and parade in river floats showcasing the bounty of blessings in harvest, arts and culture thus bringing to the fore the importance and imperative of conserving the river of life. 

Dula Kadayawan (Tribal Games)

August 18 (Friday), 7AM

Tionko Field

An exhibition and competition of Indigenous and Muslim people's games. 

Hiyas sa Kadayawan

August 18 (Friday), 6PM

USEP Gym

This is the prestigious search for the symbolic Festival Gem - the lass who, up until the present is knowledgable of her indigenous culture and wisdom. Eleven young women from the respective, distinguished tribes of Davao will be presented in their indigenous gards, cultural performances and wit. 

Kaondayawan (Food & Music)

August 18-20 (Friday - Sunday), 5PM

Palma Gil Street

Food street with nightly happenings and entertainment

Mugna Kadayawan (Doodle Competition)

August 18 (Friday), 9AM - 5PM

Magsaysay Park

Kadayawan-inspired art competition.

Indak-indak sa Kadalanan

August 19 (Saturday), 7AM

Magsaysay Avenue to San Pedro Square

This showcase dance contingents from the different regions of Mindanao. A people's celebration and merriment through choreographed and theatrical street-dancing completion anchored on indigenous traditions. 

Tunog Kadayawan

August 19 (Saturday), 3PM

Abreeza Mall

Mindanaoan composers and songwriters will come together in a song writing competition showcasing their popular yet indigenous compositions.

Sayaw Kadayawan

August 19 (Saturday), 10AM

SM City Davao - Annex

A competition of Mindanao myths, legends and folklores transformed into dance narratives by Mindanao-based dance groups.

Pamulak Sa Kadayawan

August 20 (Sunday), 8AM

Magsaysay Avenue to San Pedro Square

The grand finale of the Kadayawan sa Davao Festival, the showcase of blooming and lush flora in a float parade and competition teeing with artistry as the floats impress the festival's theme and blessings of bounty. 

Pitik Kadayawan

August 20 (Sunday), 8AM

Magsaysay Avenue to San Pedro Square

One Vibe. One Beat. One Rhythm. A drumbeating competition that highlights the indigenous melody and beat of the diversified Davao tribes.