Kadayawan Festival

Kadayawan comes from a Mandaya greeting meaning good or valuable, and Davao's festival in the third week of August is a thanksgiving for the harvest and for the year - the durian, mangosteen and pomelo the region is known for, the orchids, and the recovery of the city after difficult decades. Two events anchor it: the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan street dancing, where contingents perform along the main roads, and the Pamulak Kadayawan float parade, with floats built from fruit and flowers. What distinguishes Kadayawan from other city festivals is the presence of the eleven Indigenous groups recognised as the tribes of Davao - Bagobo, Klata, Ata, Matigsalug, Ovu Manuvo, Tagabawa, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Kagan, Iranun and Sama - who take part in their own right, with a village of tribal houses set up in Magsaysay Park and their own rituals and contests. The fruit markets during the festival are worth the trip on their own.

Highlights

• The street dancing - Indak-Indak contingents along the roads.
• The float parade - Pamulak floats of fruit and flowers.
• The tribal village - the eleven groups' houses and rituals.
• The fruit markets - durian and mangosteen at their peak.

When to go

The third week of August, with the parades at the weekend. Book accommodation ahead; Davao fills for the week.

Good to know

Streets close and traffic is heavy for days. Grandstand seats sell out. Durian is banned in most hotels and on public transport - eat it at the markets.

Nearby

Samal Island is fifteen minutes across the strait; the Philippine Eagle Center is on the city's western edge.