Festival of festivals

THE festival of festivals, the grandest celebration in Mindanao -- it is that time of the year again when Dabawenyos and tourists alike flock the streets of Davao City to embrace the lively season of the 27th Kadayawan Festival.

With the theme "Ten Tribes One Vibe", the lineup of events will predominantly showcase the cultural heritage of the tribes that inhabit the city namely the Tausug, Matigsalog, Obu Manuvu, Maguindanaon, Bagobo Tagabawa, Sama, Bagobo Klata, Maranao, Ata and Kagan.

That being said, the streets will be filled again as many attractions are set to get underway. Here are some to name the few.
Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan

Kadayawan wouldn't be as festive as it is without this dancing spectacle that has been held since the festival's first celebration. This year's Indak-Indak, which kicks off on August 18, will feature a total of 21 dance crews set for a showdown of grooves, moves and artistry while parading along the major streets in the heart of the city.

But this wouldn't be your typical urbanized street dancing showdown like that of the movie "Step Up". Rather, it will be a showcase of cultural dancing where the contingents will jive to the indigenous or tribal beats and melodies and choreograph a dance number that has a particular theme or storyline.

The dance crews will start at the junction of Magsaysay Ave. and Quezon Blvd at 1 p.m. The teams will then take turns in performing their respective street dances as they parade along Roxas Ave., C.M. Recto St., Bonifacio St. and Legaspi Street.

The final showdown, meanwhile, will be held at the Rizal Park along San Pedro St where each crew will try to get the nod of the judges with their intricate but graceful choreography and vivid props and costumes.

Pamulak Kadayawan (Floral Float Parade)

Perhaps the most colorful event not only in Mindanao but in the entire Philippines -- this exhibit of vividly designed floats is always the extreme highlight of the festival. The colorful spectacle will hit the road on August 19 starting at the Roxas Ave. en-route to San Pedro St.
As Dabawenyos celebrate Kadayawan for the bountiful harvest season, this vibrant exhibition simply couldn't be excluded from the lineup of events as it shows the rich vegetation of the Davao Region.

The floats will be decorated with various ornamental plants and flowers while fruits and vegetables are also used to add color to the different floats.

Three categories are entered in this floral float competition including the big float, small float and the non-motorized or two-wheel float categories. The floats will be judged based on their symbolism, design and creative use of materials.

Hiyas ng Kadayawan: The Grand Quest for the Festival Gem

This event is a beauty pageant like no other as it features the most gorgeous and brilliant ladies who will banner their respective tribes.
It will be a battle of beauty, brains, and talents as the 10 contestants will be judged based on their knowledge of their own tribe, personal character and their performance in the cultural skill showcase.
The cultural skill showcase already kicked off last August 15 while the Grand Coronation Night is set to get underway at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center on August 17.

Other Highlights
The Sayaw Mindanaw Finals will fire off at the SM City Annex on August 16. This event is somehow like the Indak-Indak but will be held indoors.

The Hulagway sa Kadaywan Photo Contest is ongoing while the Tunog Mindanaw, that was highlighted by the performance of original compositions by musicians across Mindanano, recently concluded at the Taboan Matina Town Square last August 11.

Various sporting events will also be held in different venues in the city with the Mayor Inday Sara Z. Duterte 27th Kadayawan Sports Festival.

There are also huge discounts for authentic Mindanaoan merchandise at the Lumadnong Gama and Dayaw Market at People's Park together with the Kadayawan sa Pasalubong Center at the Pasalubong Center along Palma Gil St.