A celebration of life,
A thanksgiving for the gifts of nature,
The wealth of culture,
The bounties of harvest and serenity of living,
These among others are the reasons of celebrating Kadayawan Festival!

And so, despite the disheartening threats on peace and security in the metro, Dabawenyos went out courageously to the city’s major thoroughfares to celebrate this annual festival of life, abundance of harvest and tranquility of living. Along with the thousands of Dabawenyos who flock the city streets, I was among those who witnessed yet another successful and festive celebration of Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2013.

Hailed as the Mother of Festivals in Mindanao, Kadayawan Festival is not just a merriment of bountiful harvest but also a cheerful celebration of the rich heritage and diverse culture not only of the Davaoeños but even Mindanao as a whole.

This becomes evident as the main thoroughfares of Davao City was filled once again with lively music, remarkable dances and vibrant colors as twenty three contingents coming from different schools and communities in Davao City and nearby provinces converged in the much awaited Indak Indak sa Kadalanan, the most watched festivity of Kadayawan Festival that pays tribute to Davao and Mindanao’s artistic, cultural and historical heritage.

In this very much anticipated Indak Indak sa Kadalanan, a Mardi Gras of Indigenous Music and Dances, the heart pounding drum beats reverberated all over the city’s downtown district while the vibrant colors of captivating Red and Yellow dominated the streets. These were the rhythmic beats and vivid hues brought by the 23 contingents as they showcased rituals and dances of their respective tribes dressed and accessorized by multihued costumes while flanked by fabulous props.

The performers’ energetic moves, amusing choreography and the resounding ethnic chants joyously set the whole thoroughfare in a festive groovy mood. While performers are up dancing on the street, people were cheering mesmerized by such spectacular event. The rhythm of the drumbeat put the whole crowd in carefree spirit – dancing and jumping along with the performers.

While the awe inspiring performances of different contingents showcased the rich and diverse cultures of Davao and Mindanao, their dances and choreography portray beautiful stories that often centered on the lives of their tribe, their people, their belief and their connection to mother earth.

ONE HUNDRED PHOTOS. ONE VIBE.

I have always been proud of my roots and heritage as Davaoeño and Mindanaoan but seeing all these made me even prouder and grateful to have been born and raised in this Island blessed with multi-cultural influences – a privilege I will always be proud of for as long as I live. And just like these multicultural differences showcased during this spectacular street dancing festivity, there is unity in diversity – just as I embraced living and enjoying this city of great multicultural diversity. After all, LIFE IS HERE in DAVAO CITY!