The Kadayawan Festival
Last week Davao City held its traditional pagan festival, the Kadayawan Festival which was held 1 week late. Cited cause was the lack of funds though others believe the reason is probably security in nature. Lack of coordination was evident as most malls held their sale period on the original schedule.
Crowds were noticeable thinner this year though this trend started last year. The city's mayor, Rodrigo Duterte does not seem too enthusiastic anymore about his job resulting in festival preparations that lack vigor. The dropping of invitations to "semi-professional" street dancing troupes might have also affected visitor turnout. And the rise in fuel prices and fares might have been contributory factors too. But security concerns might be foremost among the reasons for the fall in visitor numbers.
Since last year the city's mayor has de-emphasized commercial shows while at the same time he tried to project the native cultures of the city. In this year's celebration put to the fore was the showcasing of the 10 recognized native tribes residing in Davao, the Ata Manobo, Ovu Manobo, K'lata (or Guiangan), Tagabawa (or Bagobo), Matigsalog, Kalagan, Sama, Taosug, Maranao and Maguindanaon .
A contest called the "Hiyas ng Kadayawan" which is limited to the 10 tribes was held. This contest includes cultural skills and was won by the fair lady from the Kalagan tribe. The costumes they wore were entirely native.
An exposition of native food and products was also held in the main plaza. For days the natives were selling native viands, cookies and sweets and it was a feast to taste them especially
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Tags: Ata Manobo, Davao City, Dibabawon, Hiyas ng Kadayawan, K'lata, Kadayawan, Kalagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Matigsalog, Ovu Manobo, Sama, Sangil, Subanen, T'boli, Tagabawa, Talaandig, Taosug