Kadayawan
Festival is a celebration of good harvest that is being celebrated every 3rd
week of August in the city of Davao. It is derived from the mandaya word
“kadayawan” which means anything that brings fortune, a celebration of life,
thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, wealth of culture, bounties of harvest
and serenity of living
It
was said that long time ago, Davao’s ethnic tribes residing at the foot of Mt.
Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest. This ritual serves as their
thanksgiving to the gods especially to Bathala.
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| the icons of Davao: Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, Durian and Waling-Waling |
Although
times have changed, this practice of thanksgiving is still very much alive in
modern day Davaoenos. This tradition flourished and evolved into an annual
festival of thanksgiving. The festival began from a government-initiated
program called “Unlad Proyekto Davao” in 1986 planned to unite Davaoenos after
the chaotic martial law years and to showcase the city as a peaceful and
colorful place to visit and to do business in. At that time it was called “Apo
Duwaling” a name created from the icons Davao was famous for: Mt. Apo; the
country’s highest peak, Durian; the king of fruits and Waling-Waling; the queen
of orchids. In 1988, the festival was renamed “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” by Mayor
Rodrigo Duterte to celebrate the city’s unique wealth in flowers, fruits and
ethnic culture.
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| Street Dance Competition adds vibrant and color to the festival |
The
festivities are highlighted with floral floats, street dancing competitions and
exhibits that showcase the island’s tourism products and services. Other
activities include boat races, horse fight, a tribal show and the Bya’Neng
Kadayawan or Miss Kadayawan beauty contest.
Kadayawan
is not only a yearly festival but an annual expression of the people of Davao
of their heartfelt thanksgiving for another year of bounty, peace and blessing.
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