Over the years, Davao City has been a melting pot of diverse cultures, from its first inhabitants to the settlers who built their homes in its lands. Amid differences, Dabawenyos shared a unity that celebrates diversity, preserves traditions, and ensures collective growth in the community.
Kadayawan Festival 2026 celebrates this unity among the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups and local communities, residents, and visitors of the city.
Anchored on the concept of “Banig sa Kagikan” which envisions the interwoven patterns and colors of every ethnolinguistic group, this year’s theme “We are one, KadayaONE” builds on an unbreakable tapestry of vibrant cultures, heritage, traditions, abundance, and unity.
“Everyone has a place in the festival. From the 11 ethnolinguistic groups and local communities to residents, visitors, businesses, and partners. One festival. One community. One Davao,” Willenito P. Tormis Jr., Head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), said, during the Kadayawan Festival 2026 media launch.
In the same event, the CTOO also unveiled the official logo for this year’s celebration which featured the city’s four icons: the Philippine Eagle, Waling-Waling, Mt. Apo, and the durian and cacao.
These icons not only represent Davao City, but they also symbolize rich beauty, identity, and abundance.
Davao City is set to welcome the Kadayawan 2026 with the Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo on August 7, featuring a spectacular boat parade and a reenactment of pre-colonial traditions that reflect the peaceful convergence of the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
Dabawenyos are invited to witness this event and immerse in the rich history and heritage of Davao City. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal