DAVAO CITY — The Kadayawan Festival’s biggest spectacle is breaking free from its confined downtown setting. The Indak‑Indak sa Kadalanan grand showdown will now unfold along the Davao City Coastal Road–Tulip Drive segment, a move designed to welcome every Dabawenyo and visitor who wants to witness the region’s most electrifying street dance competition.
A Festival for Everyone
For years, the vibrant final performances of Indak‑Indak were staged at San Pedro Square, where limited space meant only a few hundred VIPs, sponsors, and officials could secure front‑row views. Many residents felt the festival’s crown jewel was drifting out of reach. The City Tourism Operations Office heard those voices and decided to act.
“We are trying to make it big this year,” said OIC Willenito Tormis during the media launch. He acknowledged the criticism that Kadayawan had become exclusive and promised to find a way for many more people to watch. The solution was a sprawling open space along the city’s scenic coastal road, which can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
Charlotte Parba, administrative officer of CTOO, emphasized the venue’s practical advantages. The area features brick pavements that will keep the grounds stable despite August rains, dedicated parking, and viewing bleachers. It is also strategically located near public transport routes, making it accessible even without direct jeepney or bus stops.
A Stage for 15 Contingents
This year’s competition will feature 15 contingents across two categories. Ten groups from across Mindanao will compete in the Open Category, including performers from Pantukan, Mati, Bislig City, and South Cotabato. Five Davao‑based schools will battle in the School‑Based Category, showcasing local talent from Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School and San Roque Central Elementary School, among others.
The stakes have never been higher. The city government has set a historic ₱8‑million prize pool, with the Open Category grand champion taking home ₱1.5 million. The school‑based winner will receive up to ₱1.2 million. These record cash incentives underscore the festival’s commitment to preserving and elevating Mindanaoan cultural expression.
A Festival Hub by the Sea
The Coastal Road venue will host more than just street dancing. A Kadayawan Food Truck Bazaar will line the area, offering local delicacies and festival treats. A floriculture exhibit will showcase Davao’s famed orchids and blooms, turning the seaside strip into a multi‑sensory celebration. Visitors can spend the entire day immersed in the festivities without leaving the coastal promenade.
The street dancing parade will still wind through the historic downtown district, honoring tradition. But the grand showdown’s relocation marks a turning point in how the city shares its cultural wealth. The message is clear: Kadayawan belongs to the people, and the people now have a place to call their own.
An Invitation to Witness Living Heritage
For travelers, the Kadayawan Festival offers a rare window into the traditions of Davao’s 11 indigenous and Moro communities. Indak‑Indak sa Kadalanan transforms tribal folklore, harvest rituals, and ancient narratives into mesmerizing choreography driven by drums and gongs. The new venue ensures that more visitors than ever can experience this living heritage up close.
The festival runs from August 6 to 16, with the Indak‑Indak grand showdown on August 15. The City Tourism Office encourages everyone to arrive early, bring family, and witness a celebration that has finally opened its gates to the world.
