MONTHS after a thorough preparation, Davao City officially opens the month-long celebration of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw 2023 on March 1.
An opening mass or misa Pasasalamat for the Araw ng Dabaw will be held in San Pedro Cathedral on March 1 at 3:00 p.m., while the opening program will be held in Rizal Park at 4:30 p.m.
On March 3, there will be a Hugyaw Dabaw - All-Star Variety Show at the San Pedro Square from 5 to 8 p.m.; Music and Art Street Festival with 3D Drone Show on March 4 at the Davao Coastal Road, Bago Aplaya at 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dabawenyos are also about to witness the first Drag Lipsync Competition for the Araw ng Dabaw on March 10 at Rizal Park from 6 to 8 p.m.
The city will also hold its first academic research competition with the Davao Unity Awards on March 17, while the Clash of Mighty Bands will be held at San Pedro Square from 6 p.m. to 12 m.n. on March 18.
Meanwhile, the Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw, the most awaited event by the Dabawenyo photographers, is back starting March 1.
On March 8, the Pasidungug: Garbo sa Davao will be at the Acacia Hotel from 1 to 5 p.m., and March 10 will be the Conferment of Datu Bago Awards at the Royal Mandaya Hotel at 11 a.m.
A Cheerdance Competition is set on March 11 at the Davao City Recreation Center at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Sayaw Pinoy Folkdance Competition will be held at SM City Davao from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The coronation night of Reyna Dabawenya is on March 15 at RMC Petro Gazz from 6 to 9 p.m.
On March 13 to 15 there will be the Employee’s week food festival at Rizal Park from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. while the Mr. and Ms. LGU Davao City is on March 16 at Rizal Park at 3 p.m.
The Mutya ng Dabaw coronation night is on March 17 at the USEP Gymnasium from 6 to 9 p.m.
The final event of the Araw ng Dabaw, the Parada Dabawenyo, is set on March 18 and will start at Roxas Ave. at 6 a.m. and end at Rizal Park.
Dabawenyos are reminded to adhere to the public security and safety protocols to be able to attend the events: no backpack policy, no bringing of umbrella, aqua flask, sharp objects, illegal drugs and deadly weapons, alcoholic beverages.
While jackets, ball caps, and sunglasses should be taken off when going through checkpoints and entrances, littering is prohibited, and civilians are not allowed to wear any law enforcement uniform. KSD