Davao City — The city is set to come alive once more as the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of the Kadayawan Festival 2025 unfold this August, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Davao’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
In line with the festivities, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) announced on Sunday that August 15, 2025 has been declared a special non-working holiday under Proclamation No. 826, to mark the city’s Indigenous People’s Day and honor the annual celebration of Kadayawan.
The official calendar of events released by the CTOO promises a festive month filled with cultural pride, tradition, and community spirit. The Kadayawan Festival will formally open on the evening of August 8 at the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Magsaysay Park, where the beating of agongs and rhythmic dances will signal the beginning of the much-awaited celebration.
One of the longest-running events is the Kadayawan Trade Fair 2025, which will run from August 8 to 31, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., also at Magsaysay Park. The trade fair will highlight local products, crafts, and delicacies from across the region, supporting both indigenous artisans and local entrepreneurs.
On August 9, the spotlight turns to the city’s cultural ambassadors with the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation, featuring the 11 tribes’ candidates vying for the crown. The grand coronation night is set on August 14, where one empowered woman will be chosen as the cultural gem of the festival.
Food lovers are also in for a treat with Pananam sa Kadayawan, a culinary showcase from August 9 to 17, where traditional and modern interpretations of tribal cuisine will be featured from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Kadayawan Tribal Village.
Cultural showcases continue at the Bantawan Amphitheater in Magsaysay Park with the Bantawan Cultural Celebration happening on August 10 to 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing a platform for tribal performances and storytelling.
The festival also revives the Agong ug Kulintangan, a musical celebration of indigenous rhythms, scheduled for August 15 at Rizal Park from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event features traditional music performances from the 11 ethnolinguistic communities of Davao, resonating with the deep spiritual and historical roots of each group.
Capping off the festival is the much-anticipated Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, a grand street parade and cultural dance competition on August 17. Colorful floats, rhythmic beats, and vibrant street dancing will take over the city in the morning, culminating in a grand showdown in the evening.
The complete schedule, along with event guidelines and competition mechanics, is available on the official Kadayawan Festival 2025 Facebook Page.
As thousands are expected to flock to the city, the CTOO reminds all attendees — locals and tourists alike — to observe city ordinances during the celebration, including the Anti-Smoking Ordinance and the Liquor Ban, to ensure a safe, clean, and family-friendly festival atmosphere.
Kadayawan Festival 2025 promises not only a feast for the senses but a meaningful tribute to the heritage and resilience of Davao’s Indigenous Peoples — a celebration truly worth witnessing.