From humble beginnings to one of the country’s grandest cultural celebrations, the Kadayawan Festival has blossomed into a vibrant showcase of Davao City’s heritage, unity, and abundance.
1986 – The seeds of celebration
The festival’s roots trace back to the mid-1980s, when then-Mayor Zafiro Respicio launched the “Apo Duwaling” Festival to honor Mount Apo, the durian fruit, and the waling-waling orchid.
1988 – Birth of ‘Kadayawan’
Then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (later president) renamed the event “Kadayawan sa Dabaw,” drawing from the Mandaya word madayaw, meaning good, beautiful, and valuable. It became an annual thanksgiving for the city’s blessings.
1990s – Cultural flourish
The festival gained momentum with vibrant street dances, floral floats, and indigenous rituals, placing Davao firmly on the national tourism map.
2000s – Bigger, brighter, bolder
Kadayawan expanded into a month-long celebration, attracting thousands of tourists. Trade fairs, art exhibits, and music concerts joined the lineup, blending Davao’s modern creativity with its rich traditions.
2010s – Global spotlight
Tourism campaigns and social media amplified Kadayawan worldwide. The festival’s signature events, Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and Pamulak sa Kadayawan, became major crowd-pullers.
2020–2021 – Pandemic shift
Even amid restrictions, Kadayawan adapted, moving online with virtual performances and competitions to keep the spirit alive.
2022–Present – Back in full bloom
With restrictions lifted, the festival returned to the streets, bursting with colors, music, and community pride — a true symbol of Davao’s resilience and diversity.
Kadayawan’s journey mirrors the city itself: deeply rooted in indigenous traditions yet always evolving, making it more than a celebration — a living history of Davao.