Davao: Kadayawan Festival

Every August, people head to Davao to take part of the annual celebration of Kadayawan Festival, and like Wikipedia told me, "The Kadayawan Festival is an annual festival in the city of Davao in the Philippines. Its name derives from the friendly greeting "Madayaw", from the Dabawenyo word "dayaw", meaning good, and valuable, superior or beautiful. The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living."

Going to Davao this year is not part of this year's plans, but people got crazy when budget airlines showered the online community with yet another seat sale/promo sale. And since these itchy feet can't resist the temptation of visiting the largest city in the country, I gave in. Plus, the thought of meeting the PTB (Pinoy Travel Bloggers) members who are based in Davao as well as other members who will also join in the celebration are factors I couldn't say "No" to.

I booked the earliest flight to Davao to prevent any mishaps along the way, a day earlier than the street dance proper. Apparently not a good idea because allot of people thought of the same thing. Long lines welcomed me when I got at the airport gates, queuing to check-in their bags, making this trip more exciting and memorable.

I first visited Davao in 2008, our last stop of the Backpacking Mindanao trip. I didn't have enough time exploring the city during that time that's why I'm very excited to go back. Walking inside Davao Airport gives back memories, a very nostalgic moment.

Kadayawan Festival - Street Dancing and More

Colorful costumes adore the streets of Davao city...

Drum beats echoing, like calling everyone to participate on the celebration and just dance...

Only happy faces abode the four corners of the city...

Aside from the Street dancing, a floral float parade was the order of the day the following morning.

And if you stayed a little longer, you'll see floats that are bigger and grander than the ones first on line. Usually found at the back, literally saving the best for last.

In the end, Kadayawan Festival is just one of the many festivals in the Philippines you need to catch. So grab that flight to Davao, same time next year so you can join in the fun. "Tara na, Tara sa Davao!"