Kadayawan Festival

Indak Boy Kadayawan Festival 1

Kadayawan Festival is an annual festival in Davao City, Philippines. 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. The festival is held every third week of August.

History

The Kadayawan Festival traces its roots to the tribal festivals of the indigenous people of Mindanao. The term "Kadayawan" is derived from the friendly greeting "Madayaw," a term used by the ethnic tribes of Davao, which means good, valuable, superior, or beautiful.

The festival was institutionalized in 1986 by then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as a means to unite the people of Davao City and to promote the city's cultural heritage. It was initially called "Apo Duwaling," a name derived from three natural icons of Davao: Mount Apo, the Durian fruit, and the Waling-waling orchid. Later, it was renamed Kadayawan Festival.

Events

The Kadayawan Festival features a variety of events that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Davao City and its people. Some of the key events include:

• Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan - A street dancing competition that features different groups performing traditional and modern dances.
• Pamulak sa Kadayawan - A floral float parade that showcases the vibrant and colorful flowers of Davao.
• Hiyas sa Kadayawan - A beauty pageant that highlights the beauty and intelligence of the women from the different indigenous tribes of Davao.
• Agro-Industrial Trade Fair - An exhibition that features the agricultural and industrial products of Davao.

Cultural Significance

The Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions of the people of Davao. It is a time for the indigenous tribes to come together and share their customs and traditions with the rest of the community. The festival also serves as a platform to promote the city's tourism and to showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of Davao.

See Also

• Davao City
• Mindanao
• Rodrigo Duterte
• Mount Apo
• Durian
• Waling-waling