Kadayawan Festival in Davao City

Davao city is known by many things, first, it’s the hometown of the current Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, second it’s famous for the foul-scented but very tasty ‘King of Fruits;’ Durian,  and of Philippine’s major festivals, the Kadayawan Festival.

Before the Kadayawan Festival became a major event, ethnic tribes of Davao gather at the foot of Mt. Apo to perform a ritual, offering farm products, fruits, vegetable, and rice,  that served as gifts to give thanks towards the pagan gods, Manama (the Supreme being) and Bulan ( a moon deity).

Today, Filipinos celebrate Kadayawan with many of them singing, have parades with beautiful floral floats, street-dancing (it serves as a competition) and other exhibitions that showcase the island’s culture.

August 2, 2019, was the official start of the Festival but don’t fret! The month-long celebration of bountiful harvest has many events in every part of Davao City. Check out the schedule below:

Note: Schedule of following events may change prior to notice. 

A few reminders before you go to the event:

Be prepared to travel on foot, big festivals like the Kadayawan usually closes major roads to give way to performances and parades.

Now don’t forget this is a festival, a BIG one. Iconic Davao fruits are in season try out (or buy in bulk) durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and lanzones, which are in season.

Also, restaurants in the city will surely have special offers, so go on a food trip and try out local delicacies of Davao city.

Now if you want some other ideas on what to do in Davao other than celebrating the Kadayawan festival, you can include some of these destinations:

D’Bone Collector Museum – a museum full of bones specimens from land-dwelling to aquatic animals.

Davao Crocodile Park – you can try some crocodile dishes here.

Philippine Eagle Center – conservation and breeding facility for the critically endangered national animal, the Philippines Eagle.

Mount Apo – plan a side trip to the mountain .and immerse yourself of its breathtaking view.

What are you waiting for? Visit Davao City now!

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