Philippines is home to various festivals and every town has one from ultra-commercialized Sinulog of Cebu to humble barrio festival featuring one’s local crafts and produce. These festivals are also one of the reasons why Pinoys would go back home – to celebrate with their loved ones.

And in the city of Davao, they celebrate one of the most decorated ( literally) festival in the country. Every third week of August, Davao City holds its annual Kidayawan Festival. For this year, Kidayawan Festival will be held starting August 21, 2011.

Its name is a little bit more of a”tongue twister” especially for those who are not fluent or at least familiar with Filipino dialects. The festival’s name came from the word “madayaw” which has several meaning but all of them are something about happiness and good fortune. When you arrive in Davao, you will hear this words as their words of welcome to travelers and visitors.

Unlike most festivals in the country which is also a religious celebration, Davao’s Kidayawan is more about their local livelihood. The origin of this festival is a thanksgiving for a good and bountiful harvest. At present, this festival is charcterised by a parade of floats decorated with flow, fruits and other bounties brought by Davao’s fertile soil. There are some similarities with Bagiou’s Panagbenga Festival or the Parade of the Roses in Pasadena. You will be amazed on the wonderful creations with different themes all made from Davao’s local flora.

Of course, Philippine festivals wouldn’t be complete without its street dancing. To make it livelier, a tribal dance competition is held with local schools participating. Spectators can let loose and have fun dancing to the lively drum beats.

For tourists and locals, Kidayawan festival is a time for merry-making. A time to celebrate the beauty and wealth of Mindanao. Street dancing, concerts featuring local bands, food festivals and beauty pageants are just some of the activities that tourists can participate during this weeklong celebration.

Tips

If this is your first time enjoying Davao’s festival. Here are some inside information vital for you to have the best of times during the Kidayawan festival.

• Wear comfortable clothes. With Philippine weather, wear breathable clothes like those made of cotton. Expect for some major walking trails around the city -flip flops or walking shoes can be a big help
• Sun protection please! Wear sunblock, hats, bring extra towel and bottled water
• Cover up. Philippines is a very conservative country. No matter how hot you feel, refrain from wearing clothes that reveal too much skin ( cleavage particularly).
• Put boundaries when drinking. Stay away from any trouble when on a drinking spree by choosing your drinking buddies well and knowing your alcohol limit
• Be nice to the locals. Like other locals, be merry not rowdy.

To experience the Davao’s upbeat lifestyle with Kidayawan Festival. Book your holiday with Sydney’s most reliable travel operators. Click here to star your Davao adventure!