The Kadayawan Festival 2025 kicked off with a night of performances that highlighted the vibrant culture and tradition of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
Anchored on the theme “A Festival Rooted in Culture and Abundance,” the 11 tribal houses in the Kadayawan Village at Magsaysay Park presented delicacies, traditional music and dance, and crafts that tell the groups’ stories and identity.
Every house proudly showcased the tapestry of their tribes—one filled with tradition and heritage passed down the generations.
During the opening ceremony, Bangsa Maguindanaon’s Deputy Mayor Gabriel Nakan emphasized the role of the 11 ethnolinguistic groups in the city.
“Their customs, stories, and vibrant expressions of identity are the colors that paint the soul of our city,” he said.
“We honor each of you. We thank you for preserving the sacred traditions that make Kadayawan not just a festival but a thanksgiving for life, for land, and for legacy,” Nakan added.
Sheirelle Anino, Deputy Mayor of the Bagobo Tagabawa, also invited the public to take part in the Kadayawan Festival and witness the beauty of the cultures of the 11 ethnolinguistic groups and immerse in the richness of their stories.
“We encourage everyone to open your hearts, embrace the vibrant traditions, and honor our indigenous communities who have long nurtured this land. Ilhon nato ang ilahang papel, kasaysayan ug kalambuan sa Davao (Get to know their roles, history, and growth in Davao City),” she said. CIO
