Facts About Kadayawan Festival
The Kadayawan Festival is an annual event in Davao, Philippines, named after the Dabawenyo word "Madayaw" which means good, valuable, superior, or beautiful. This vibrant festival celebrates life, nature's gifts, cultural richness, bountiful harvests, and peaceful living. Initially focusing on the 11 tribes of Davao City, the festival has grown and evolved over time. In 2019, it was celebrated from August 2nd to August 31st, and in 2020, it took place from August 10th to August 17th.
The festival's origins date back to ancient times when people would display fruits, vegetables, and grains to express gratitude for a plentiful year. In 1970, Mayor Elias B. Lopez encouraged Davao's tribes to showcase their thanksgiving rituals. Fast forward to 1986, the Davao City government launched the festival as "Apo Duwaling" a name symbolizing Mt. Apo, Durian, and Waling-waling, to foster unity during the challenging Martial Law period. By 1988, then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte officially renamed it the Kadayawan Festival.
Over 30 years later, the Kadayawan Festival remains a joyous and unifying celebration, bringing together people with its rich traditions and spirited festivities.