An insider guide to Davao’s Kadayawan Festival
Kadayawan came from the Mandaya word “madayaw” which means treasured or valuable. Held in August, it is a time when various ethnic tribes in Mindanao get to celebrate the season’s bountiful harvest and showcase their tribe’s unique culture.
The first festivities of Kadayawan (then known as Apo Duwaling) were first encouraged by former Mayor Elias B. Lopez in the 1970s. It was later officially renamed as Kadayawan Festival by former Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 1988.
An insider guide to Davao’s Kadayawan Festival
This 2022 is the 37th year of the Kadayawan celebration. Held from August 5 to 21.
Calendar of Events
Travel Tips
- The events are held near or around the city’s center every year. Find accommodations just a short walk away or just a jeepney ride away to save you money, time, and energy.
- August may be the busiest month in Davao due to the Kadayawan festival. Hence, if there are any events you want to go to for the month remember to map them out and go to those places early to get the best spots.
- You can buy fruits for cheaper around this time. In my opinion, it is better to buy fruits at Bangkerohan (a local market) since you get a better chance of haggling for a lower price on goods there.
- Wear clothes that would help you get by the Philippines’ summer heat. It tends to be the dry season more than the wet season around this time. Even when it rains, it gets uncomfortably humid sometimes. Hence, I advise you to bring an umbrella and a hand fan to get you through the whole duration of your stay. Also, do not forget to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and to always stay hydrated.
Have fun and enjoy the Kadayawan festivities before it ends!
