As much as Christians mix freely with Muslims and churches stand alongside mosques, Davao is especially famous as the home of colourful ethnic minorities, some of which include the Bagobo, B'laan, Mandaya, Mansaka, Manobo, and T'boli. Indeed, there is more cultural diversity in Davao than any other part of the country..
What is the religion of Kadayawan?
And up to this day, Kadayawan is still one of the biggest non-religious festivals in the country, which is even d믭 the King of Festivals in the Philippines. The 11 ethnic groups of Davao City continue to live in harmony reminding Davao's rich cultural heritage..
And up to this day, Kadayawan is still one of the biggest non-religious festivals in the country, which is even d믭 the King of Festivals in the Philippines. The 11 ethnic groups of Davao City continue to live in harmony reminding Davao's rich cultural heritage.
In every parade, participants play drums or other instruments in rhythmical patternstogether with the use ofpentatonic notesthat serves as their music during processions and parades. Thetempovaries from upbeat moderate to upbeat fast to portray gratefulness and thanksgiving.
The cultural fabric of Davao City is woven from a diverse array of ethnicities and traditions. The indigenous tribes, including the Bagobo, Manobo, and Mandaya, have preserved their rich heritage, which is celebrated through various festivals and cultural events.
History of Kadayawan Festival
The origin of the festival is from the ancient practice of ethnic groups in Davao that pay respects to the deity they call Manama and express their gratitude for a good harvest. In 1970s, then mayor Elias B. Lopez established festivals for indigenous groups.
The origins of the Kadayawan can be traced back to a thanksgiving festival, held by the tribes living in the foothills of Mt. Apo as a gesture of thanks to the supreme being Manama for the bountiful harvests.
What is Kadayawan Festival?
Kadayawan Festival is an annual celebration of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and the diverse cultures of Davao City
It traces its roots to the pre-colonial era when the indigenous tribes of Davao, such as the Bagobo, Mansaka, and Mandaya, gathered to celebrate a bountiful harvest and offer their gratitude to the gods
Why is Kadayawan festival called Apo duwaling?
Back then, the name of the festival was called Apo Duwaling, after three natural wonders you can find the region: Mt
Apo, Durian, and Waling-waling
It was first officially renamed as the Kadayawan Festival in 1988 by then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and now, over 30 years later, it’s still being celebrated
When is the Kadayawan Festival?
Why was Kadayawan renamed?
In 1988, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte officially renamed the festival as Kadayawan
The word “Kadayawan” comes from the Mandaya word “madayaw,” which means valuable or treasured
The festival’s name reflects the city’s gratitude for its people’s bountiful harvest and diverse cultural heritage
It is celebrated annually in Davao City every August. It serves as a thanksgiving event for the gift of nature, the wealth of culture, and bounties of the harvest and serenity of living. It also celebrates and gives tribute to the lumads, a collective group of indigenous people living in the city.DAVAO CITY — Kadayawan is a festival that originated from the annual festival of the Ubo Manobo natives called “Kalibongan” in Kidapawan City during the 1970s. Kalibongan was a festival initiated by the Mindanao Highlanders Association, Inc (Mindahila), an organization led by tribal leader, Datu Joseph Guabong Sibug.The cultural background of the Kadayawan Festival is rooted in these ancient people who worshipped the moon, believing that it helped them gain a bountiful harvest. Over time, the festival has changed. It is still a way to show thanks to the divine protector for the wealth of the harvest.The famous Kadayawan Festival originated from Davao. Interestingly, the festival’s concept came from the pagan beliefs of Davao’s ethnic tribes. Back then, ethnic tribes would gather at the foot of Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest mountain.
Cultural background of kadayawan festival
The Davao City Torotot Festival is a festival celebrated in Davao City every New Year's Eve which involves the blowing party horns, or what are more commonly known to Filipinos as torotots. It was first held during the city’s 2014 New Year’s eve celebration at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue from 1 pm on December 31, 2013 to 1 am on January 1, 2014. The first celebration of the annual festival was also an attempt of the city to break Japan's world record for the most people simultaneously blowing party horns
