DAVAO City came alive on March 16, 2025, as the Parada Dabawenyo took center stage in the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebrations. The grand parade, a long-standing tradition of the city’s week-long festivities, saw an unprecedented 444 contingents, surpassing last year’s 353—a testament to the growing spirit and unity of the Dabawenyos.
A tradition of pride and heritage
The Parada Dabawenyo has long been a vibrant tribute to Davao City's founding, deeply rooted in its rich history. More than just a parade, it is a showcase of the city's cultural diversity, artistry, and strong sense of community, reflecting the spirit that has shaped Davao into the thriving metropolis it is today.
Held annually as part of the Araw ng Dabaw festival, the parade draws thousands of spectators who line the streets to witness a spectacular display of floats, performances, and pageantry, each telling a story of the city's heritage. Originally established to unite the community and celebrate Davao’s dynamic past, the event has since grown into a major cultural highlight, attracting both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
A parade like no other
From 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., the parade snaked through Roxas Avenue, C.M. Recto Avenue, Rizal Street, Iñigo Street, and San Pedro Street, bringing the heart of Davao to life.
This year’s event featured a dynamic mix of participants—drum corps, motorcycle and drivers’ associations, car enthusiasts, and Davao Japanese cosplayers—each adding their unique flair to the festivities. Government institutions, private organizations, and barangays also took part, further amplifying the energy and vibrancy of the celebration.
To ensure a more comfortable viewing experience, a mega tent was set up at San Pedro Square, offering spectators a shaded area to enjoy the spectacle.
A celebration for everyone
The Parada Dabawenyo was a true showcase of Davao’s vibrant and diverse spirit, bringing together civic groups, NGOs, private companies, schools, universities, government agencies, and barangays in a grand celebration. More than just a parade, it was a stage for Dabawenyos from all walks of life to proudly display their culture, creativity, and contributions to the city.
With each contingent adding flair, the event became a powerful symbol of unity and community pride, proving that Davao’s heart beats strongest when its people come together.
Ensuring safety and security
With massive crowds expected, the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) implemented extensive measures to keep participants and spectators safe. A 4,000-strong security force, composed of personnel from the Civil Security Unit (CSU), City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), City Disaster Risk and Management Office (CDRRMO), and Task Force Davao, was deployed to maintain order and provide assistance throughout the event.
Beyond security personnel, the safety cluster worked closely with traffic authorities to efficiently manage the parade route, ensuring smooth traffic flow while keeping the streets clear for the procession. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of these agencies, the parade unfolded seamlessly and peacefully, with no reported incidents.
The spirit of Davao lives on
As the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebrations drew to a close, the Parada Dabawenyo 2025 stood as a powerful reminder of what makes Davao special—a city that honors its past while embracing the future. It was more than just a parade; it was a statement of unity, resilience, and pride.
With every drumbeat, every dance step, and every cheer from the crowd, Davao City once again proved that its spirit shines brighter than ever. DEF