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There’s more to Davao than sweet durian and the breathtaking views of Mount Apo. Every August, Davao celebrates the Kadayawan Festival, a thanksgiving tradition named after the Bagobo word madayaw, which means good, valuable, or beautiful.
Experience Davao’s rich heritage and community spirit in more ways than one. If you’re going on a trip, make sure these activities are part of your itinerary to experience the King of Festivals.
Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan
Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan is one of Kadayawan Festival’s biggest attractions. It’s a street dance competition where performers from Davao’s districts and indigenous communities compete through dance. Each synchronized footwork and rhythmic choreography tells the story of where they come from.
Pamulak sa Kadayawan
Fresh flowers, fruits, and local produce come together in stunning works of art during Pamulak sa Kadayawan. The Floral Float Parade features handcrafted floats decorated with fresh blooms and local harvests from Davao. Look out for float designs inspired by local icons like the Philippine Eagle or the Waling-waling orchid.
Hiyas sa Kadayawan
Get a chance to watch a unique beauty pageant in Davao. Representatives from the Ata, Tagabawa, Matigsalug, Klata-Giangan, Ovu-Manuvu, Maranao, Kagan, Maguindanaoan, Sama, Tausug, and Iranun communities take the stage to showcase the beauty of their heritage. Instead of gowns and glamour, the pageant celebrates ethnic knowledge and indigenous identity, making it one of the festival’s most meaningful occasions.
Kadayawan Village and Tribal Showcases
Seeing traditional tribal villages up close is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter you won’t get every day. At the Kadayawan Village, you can explore traditional houses, watch weaving demonstrations of Inaul or Landap, and visit cultural exhibits in one place. You can even learn how to play the Kulintang or Agung set.
Kadayawan Short Film Competition
Movie lovers have something to look forward to during the festival, too. The Kadayawan Film Competition gives Davaoeño filmmakers a chance to tell stories inspired by their way of living. It’s also a great chance to get to know local filmmakers while seeing the Kadayawan Festival from a different perspective.
Food Fairs and Trade Expos
Of course, seeing the best lineup of the festival will make you hungry and want souvenirs. Food fairs and trade expos around the area are wonderful places to try local dishes and shop for handmade crafts, like bracelets and necklaces made of bagon.
Pro Tip: Prepare your GCash for fast, cashless transactions when you buy Puto Maya with Sikwate, so you won’t miss surprise live performances near you.
Tips for Your Cultural Trip
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to lace up for your holiday travel and keep these useful tips in mind before you head to Davao.
Choosing the Best Way to Get to Davao
You can fly from major cities across the Philippines or take a bus if you’re traveling within Mindanao. Once you’re in the city, taxis, jeepneys, multicabs, and ride-hailing services like Grab can take you to different spots.
Some roads may close during major events, so it’s a good idea to leave a little earlier.
Booking Your Stay Before the Crowds Arrive
Book your flights and accommodation early. Rooms near the parade routes and downtown fill up fast during festival season. Do your booking at home with a reliable home WiFi, so you can compare fares and hunt for hotel deals without pages timing out mid-checkout. Then check awesome Globe Rewards before you pay: you can redeem points for booking discounts and travel perks.
Packing the Right Essentials
Pack light: a small crossbody bag, durable shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and breathable clothing. August sits in the rainy season, so throw in a raincoat or a compact umbrella, too.
Your gadgets count as essentials, too. From power banks to tracker tags for your bag in the parade crowds, these tech essentials will keep you connected all festival long.
Respecting Local Traditions
Ask before taking close-up photos of performers or cultural displays, and be mindful when visiting tribal villages. It’s a way to pay for their culture. Learning simple Bisaya phrases like “Maayong adlaw!” (“Good day!”) and “Daghang salamat!” (“Thank you!”) is also a nice way to show respect.
Celebrating Kadayawan with Globe
Kadayawan Festival is one of the best ways to explore Davao’s beauty and strong family bond, beyond its famous landmarks. This year, Globe brings its own 5G energy to the celebration too.
Mark your calendar—here's where all the action is happening this Kadayawan.
- July 24 to August 5 - 5G EnergyJam: Sign your band up for a chance to open for your favorite musicians on August 16 for G Music Fest at Ayala Malls Abreeza. Upload your audition songs on TikTok with #Globe5GEnergy, #GlobeKadayawan5GMissions, and #GlobeKadayawan2026.
- August 3 to 30 - 5G EnergyTok: Dance to the "5G Energy Beat" at Davao landmarks like People's Park, Museo Dabawenyo, Roxas Avenue Night Market, or San Pedro Cathedral. Post your video, tag @enjoyglobe, and use #Globe5GEnergy and #GlobeKadayawan5GMissions.
- August 9 - 5G HyperMove: Join the 5 a.m. run at Azuela Cove. Every runner's steps count toward a shared goal of one million, and once it’s hit, Globe donates to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
- August 11 - 5G Building Craft: Paint Tomorrow: Calling all student artists! Sign up on the Globe Student Program page and design a mural inspired by "Future-forward 5G City."
- August 14 to 16 - 5G Pit Stop: Visit Ayala Malls Abreeza to spin for the device raffle, get a free 5G portrait, or build your own merch at the Swag Station via GlobeOne.
- August 16 - G Music Fest: The celebration closes at the Abreeza Activity Center, headlined by The Itchyworms, AYO, and HARA.
Capture all the fun and excitement by topping up with a prepaid promo for the flexibility to load up whenever you need, or go postpaid for steady monthly data throughout the celebration.
Once everything is in place, you’re all set to experience Kadayawan at its best. Magkita ta sa Davao!
