Ready to experience Davao City's Kadayawan Festival? Discover the exciting events, cultural experiences, and fun activities that await at this annual celebration. From colorful floats and street dance competitions to delicious food and shopping experiences, this guide can help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

Held every August, the Kadayawan festival is a vibrant celebration when locals give thanks for a bountiful harvest and honor Mindanao's indigenous traditions.

The festival was once known as the Apo Duwaling Festival, symbolizing Mt. Apo, the durian, and the Waling-Waling orchid. But in 1988, then newly elected Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renamed it Kadayawan, solidifying its connection to the region's cultural roots.

Keep reading to discover the festival’s highlights and learn about Davao's traditions.

Kick off your festival experience at the opening ceremony at Magsaysay Park, home to the Kadayawan Village. Get a taste of the festivities and witness the official start of this dazzling celebration.

Head to People's Park to catch the annual Dula Kadayawan, where the 11 indigenous communities of Davao compete in traditional games. These groups include the Ata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Klata, Obu-Manuvu, Matigsalug, Iranun, Kagan, Maranao, Maguindanaon, Sama, and the Tausug. It's a great way to learn about their sporting traditions.

Don't miss the much-awaited Hiyas sa Kadayawan beauty pageant! Cheer on the talented contestants as they showcase their grace, talents, and knowledge of their local culture.

Witness the streets of Davao come alive with the highly anticipated street dancing competition. Be mesmerized by the elaborate Kadayawan costumes and exciting dances of the different indigenous people as they compete for the top prize.

Prepare to be dazzled by the floral parade. Marvel at the intricate designs and bright colors of the floats adorned with flowers, fruits, and traditional crafts, celebrating the region's bountiful harvest.

Immerse yourself in Mindanao's rich cultural traditions. Held at the Bantawan Amphitheater inside Magsaysay Park, this showcase features the music and dances of the ethnolinguistic groups, offering a glimpse into their heritage.

Want to make the most of your Davao trip? There are more activities to add to your itinerary:

Immerse yourself in the traditions of Mindanao's indigenous groups. See their traditional houses, marvel at the exhibits on display, and learn about their way of life.

Treat yourself to the exotic flavors of Davao's fruits in Bankerohan Market or at Magsaysay’s fruit stalls. Sample the sweetest mangoes, creamiest durian, and other tropical delights. The Bankerohan Market is the perfect place to buy your pasalubongs. Grab some durian or durian-flavored sweets like candies, pies, rolls, pastillas, and durian de leche to share with loved ones. It’s also a great place to try local eateries offering lechon kawali, bulalo, puto maya, and sikwate.

Bankerohan Market: Building No: 2, Barangay, Marfori Street, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Hours: Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday
Magsaysay fruit stalls: Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City, Mindanao 8000 Philippines

If you want a memorable shopping experience, head to the Roxas Night Market. The place opens at 5 p.m. and closes before midnight. Here, you can browse stalls filled with local handicrafts and souvenirs, ukay-ukay items, and savor delicious grilled street food.

Roxas Night Market, Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Your culinary journey won’t be complete without sampling Davao's iconic dishes. Feast on the rich flavors of Kalderobo (a local version of adobo) at Rekado, indulge in fresh seafood at MarinaTuna and Cafe Tavera (their unique bagaybay tuna dish is a must-try), or satisfy your barbecue cravings at Penong's. For classic Filipino and regional cuisine in a beautifully restored heritage house, head to Tola. And if you're looking for local favorites, Ram's is well-known for its sizzling pusit, fried hito, and paksiw.

MarinaTuna: Km. 8 Barrio Pampanga, Sasa, Davao City, Philippines; 0917 704 9863
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Cafe Tavera: Tavera Corner Avancena Street, Davao City, Philippines; (082) 221 3322
Hours:

• 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday
• 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday

Penong's Barbecue & Seafood Grill (various branches): J.P. Laurel Avenue (In front of Toyota Motors), Lanang, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao City; (082) 234-9748
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Tola: Oboza Compound, 143 Rizal St8, Poblacion District, Davao City, Davao del Sur; 0961 108 1724
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Rekado: 1050 Emilio Jacinto Ext, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur; (082) 284 2136, (082) 224 3031, 0916 378 2865
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Sunday

Ram's Lechon Manok and Seafood Grill (various branches): Quimpo Boulevard, Tulip Dr, Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur; 0909 272 1080
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Sunday

If your time permits, take the chance to explore more of Davao's natural wonders and attractions. Hike to the summit of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, for breathtaking views. Or take a day trip to Samal Island for pristine beaches and water activities. You can also visit the Philippine Eagle Center, home to the majestic Philippine Eagle, or wander through the beautiful Eden Nature Park.

Philippine Eagle Center: Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines; +63 917 708 9084
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Fees: ₱150 (Adults), ₱100 (Kids 18 years old and below)

Eden Nature Park: Brgy. Eden, Bayabas, Toril, Davao City
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Fees: Day Package with Buffet Lunch ₱900 (Adults), ₱450 (Kids 4 to 10 years old)

Experience a hassle-free, enjoyable trip with these essential travel tips:

Davao gets crowded during the festival, so book your stay well in advance using platforms like Agoda or Booking.com. Consider options like Seda, Park Inn by Radisson, and Acacia Hotel, which are centrally located and offer easy access to many of the festival’s highlights. Other hotels like Dusit Thani may be a bit further from downtown Davao but offer shuttle services, which might be helpful during the festival.

• Dusit Thani Residences, Bo, Stella Hizon, Reyes Drive, 2b Maryknoll Dr, Lanang, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur; (082) 272 7500
• Seda Abreeza, J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur; (082) 244 3000
• Park Inn by Radisson, J.P. Laurel Ave, Agdao, Davao City, 8000, Philippines; (082) 2727600
• Acacia Hotel, J.P. Laurel Ave, Agdao, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur; (082) 298 8088

Davao's weather is warm and humid, so pack clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Of course, don't forget your comfy shoes for exploring!

Keep your valuables safe in a crossbody bag or money belt. Stay alert, especially in crowded areas.

Learn about the traditions and customs of the ethnic communities. Ask for permission before taking photos, and dress modestly when visiting sacred sites.

Getting to, and around, Davao City is easy, with various transportation options available:

• By Air: The fastest way to reach Davao is by plane (around one hour and 55 minutes). You can fly directly to Davao International Airport (DVO), which is well-connected to major cities in the Philippines and some international destinations like China, Japan, and Singapore. Easily book your flights online through Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
• By Land and Sea (RORO): This option typically takes 24 to 36 hours (about one and a half days), depending on your starting point and chosen route. To get to Davao City using a bus and RORO ferry, you have two main options:
  1. Take a bus from your starting point to a port city like Batangas, then board a RORO ferry that sails to a Mindanao port like Cagayan de Oro or Nasipit. From there, take another bus to Davao City.
  2. Take a direct "RORO bus" service from Manila or Pasay City. These buses board the ferry and continue their journey in Mindanao, including Davao City. Companies like 2GO Travel and Philtranco offer this service.
• By Land: If you're already in Mindanao, hop on a bus operated by several companies that have regular routes to Davao City. Bachelor Express and Yellow Bus Line offer regular routes to Davao City from other parts of Mindanao.
• Within the City: Once in Davao, you can quickly get around using taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Multicabs also offer convenient transportation within the city.

Make your Kadayawan experience even more memorable by learning a few basic phrases in Bisaya. Locals will appreciate your effort to connect using simple greetings like Maayong adlaw (Good day) and Daghang salamat (Thank you). Be prepared for the crowd, especially during peak hours and major events. Plan your itinerary accordingly, be patient, and embrace the lively atmosphere.

For the ultimate Kadayawan happening, you can participate in exclusive Globe promos and exciting activities. Join the fun at the Globe booth in Rizal Park or the MinPop Booth at SM Lanang on August 15-18. Try your luck at the claw machine, win raffle prizes, and design your own unique tote bag.

Be among the first 50 GlobeOne app users per day to score 10 free Rewards points. Just download the app via the App Store or Google Play and visit the Globe booth at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Arrival Terminal on August 15-17 to claim your prize. You can also drop by the GFiber Prepaid booth in Gaisano Mall and join the GFiber Prepaid Super Blitzes in several barangays across Davao City for a chance to win freebies with the e-roulette.

Then, cap off your festival experience with the MinPop Grand Finals on August 17 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the SM Lanang North Wing Grounds to catch performances by the MinPop 2024 Top 10 Grand Finalists, Muzic's Kool Band, Arthur Nery, and The Dukes.

Ready to pack your bags and immerse yourself in the Kadayawan Festival? Make sure to capture every moment with a postpaid plan or prepaid promos. If you’re with balikbayans or foreign friends, help them stay connected with a traveler SIM. This way, you can all post stunning photos on social media and share your unforgettable experiences with friends and family back home. Then, check out other Philippine festivals for celebrations you can’t miss. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Kadayawan adventure today!