KADAYAWAN Festival is not just a festival of celebration, colors, and fruits that suit tourists’ artistic senses. Davao City made it interactive and fun yet culturally significant as it traces back our history and appreciates Dabawenyos’ roots.
Kadayawan Village, located inside the Magsaysay Park, in Magsaysay Avenue is a depiction of Davao City's tradition and culture, as it lets visitors be transported back in time to immerse themselves in the diverse heritage of Davao's indigenous tribes.
The Kadayawan Village features participation of 11 tribes: Bagobo-Klata, Ata, Matigsalug, Uvu-Manuvu, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Sama, Maranao, Kagan, Tausug, Maguindanao, and Iranun.
The village showcases various traditional houses meticulously crafted by skilled artisans from different tribal communities found within the city. Each structure reflects distinctive architectural styles passed down through generations - from the stilt houses of Bagobo-Tagabawa and Mandaya tribes to the intricately woven huts of B'laan and Tausug tribes.
As you wander along pathways, your senses come alive with sights, sounds, and aromas unique to each tribe in Kadayawan Village. The air is filled with melodies produced by traditional musical instruments like kulintang (gong ensemble) or hegalong (two-stringed lute), transporting visitors deeper into an ethereal realm where ancient chants still echo.
Visitors also have ample opportunities not only to observe but also participate with the members of each tribe where they can try their hand at weaving textiles, creating intricate beadwork, or even learning traditional dances under the guidance of skilled tribal elders. They can also take pictures together with them and their tribal houses.
“Kinahanglan i-experience nila nga kompleto ang atong mga kaigsuonang tribo na IP og Moro (Tourists must experience being with our indigenous people and Moro tribes)… the materials they used (in building their houses,) they’re all authentic so mao na siya atong i-guarantee sa atong tanan na moadto sa Kadayawan Village (that is what we can guarantee to all who would visit Kadayawan Village),” Rayanne Arao, one of the event organizers for Kadayawan, said in a radio interview.
Kadayawan Village is not just a mere tourist attraction; it serves as a platform to promote cultural preservation, fostering pride among indigenous tribes while raising awareness about their unique contributions to Davao's identity. The village also plays an integral role during the annual Kadayawan Festival, serving as a venue for various activities showcasing indigenous arts, crafts, music, and culinary delights.
For those seeking an authentic encounter with Davao's rich tapestry of cultures or simply yearning to reconnect with nature in a serene setting, Kadayawan Village promises an unforgettable experience. ICE