The Kadayawan Festival is a thanksgiving to nature for the harvest and life in general, held in the city of Davao in the Philippines. It is organized every third week of August annually.
In ancient times, the people of Davao came to Mount Apo to show gratitude to their deity. They offered fruits, farm products, vegetables, and rice as gifts. The ritual was meant to honor the "Manama" (the Supreme Being) and Bulan (a moon deity). The first gatherings happened on a night of a full moon, as ancient Visayans and Davao's tribes believed the diwata came to earth at that time.
The full moon was addressed with names such as dayaw or kadayaw, hence the name of the festival. Ancient people worshipped the moon because they believed it helped them collect a bountiful harvest. Nowadays, fruits, vegetables, rice, and corn are displayed on the ground as people give their thanks to their divine protector. People sing, dance, and organize competitions.
Festival Entertainment
The main highlight of the Kadayawan Festival is the parade with magnificent floral floats, street-dancing competitions, and exhibits that showcase the island's original culture and history. If you visit Davao at this time, you will get a perfect chance to appreciate the wealth of Philippine culture, food, and traditions. The festival also honors and pays homage to the lumads, a united community of native inhabitants residing within the city. Local people are open-hearted—they will be glad to share their joy with others.
Kadayawan Festival History
The festival as we know it today was first held in 1986 as the Apo Duwaling Festival, named after the town's three symbols: Mt Apo, Durian, and the Waling-Waling Orchid. In 1988, the festival received a new name—Kadayawan. The 38th Kadayawan Festival has received a new logo and music that further reveals the atmosphere of the festival, inviting all who wish to attend the event and have a great time in a friendly community.
