Festivals & Culture
A timeline of celebrations across Davao de Oro
Provincial Events
Celebrations that unite the entire province of Davao de Oro
Bulawan Festival
"Bulawan" means gold. Provincial festival celebrating gold mining, featuring street dance competitions (Bulawanong Pasundayag), Jon to the World Bulawan Queen pageant, Al'law ng Kalumonan (Lumad culture), jewelry fair, and concerts.
Araw ng Davao de Oro
Anniversary of provincial ratification by plebiscite (1998). Special non-working holiday.
DAVRAA Meet
Regional athletic competition qualifying for the Palarong Pambansa.
Festival Calendar
Complete chronology of events throughout the year
Banana Festival
Tribute to Maragusan as the "Banana Capital of Davao de Oro". Contests and gastronomic fairs.
Fishermen's Festival
Celebrates Mansaka and Mandaya fishing traditions of the coastal municipality on Davao Gulf.
Harvest Festival
Honors farmers with exhibitions, thanksgiving rituals, and fairs.
Kaumahan Festival
Honors farmers and agricultural heritage (rice, corn, coconut, cacao, rubber).
L'yurot Festival
Festival of Barangay Golden Valley, where 85-90% of the 5,000 residents are from the Mansaka tribe.
Araw ng Davao de Oro
Anniversary of provincial ratification by plebiscite (1998). Special non-working holiday.
Bulawan Festival
"Bulawan" means gold. Provincial festival celebrating gold mining, featuring street dance competitions (Bulawanong Pasundayag), Jon to the World Bulawan Queen pageant, Al'law ng Kalumonan (Lumad culture), jewelry fair, and concerts.
DAVRAA Meet
Regional athletic competition qualifying for the Palarong Pambansa.
Fiesta Patronal de San José
Patron saint of Parokya Ni San Jose. Solemn mass, processions, and traditional festivities.
Araw ng Laak
Founding anniversary (1979). The name "Laak" comes from thornless bamboo in Ata-Manobo language.
History: Founded in 1979. "Laak" = thornless bamboo (Ata-Manobo)
Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer
Parish established in 1968 under the Diocese of Tagum.
History: Parish established in 1968
Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer
In 2020, the 50th patron saint feast was celebrated.
Maragusan Eco-Expo
Exhibition of agricultural products and ecotourism taking advantage of the cool climate due to its high altitude.
Araw ng Mabini
Founding anniversary (1953). Originally "Doña Alicia", renamed in honor of Apolinario Mabini in 1954.
History: Founded in 1953 as "Doña Alicia", renamed in 1954
Fiesta Patronal de San José Obrero
The town was originally called "San Jose" in honor of this patron saint of workers.
History: Originally called "San Jose"
Town Fiesta
Town fiesta according to the provincial government.
Araw ng Maco / Kaimonan Festival
Municipal independence anniversary (1967). "Kaimonan" means thanksgiving in Mansaka. Tribal elder rituals, dances, traditional music, woven garments.
History: Municipal independence in 1967
Araw ng Montevista
Founding anniversary (1966). Parades, fairs, and cultural presentations.
History: Founded in 1966
Araw ng New Bataan
Official founding date (1968). The name honors First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay.
History: Founded in 1968. Named in honor of First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay
Fiesta de San Antonio de Padua
Patron saint of the municipality.
Fiesta Patronal de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro
Celebration at the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Solemn masses and processions.
Araw ng Nabunturan
Founding anniversary (1957). The name derives from "nabungturan" (surrounded by hills in Visayan). Special non-working holiday.
History: Founded in 1957. "Nabungturan" = surrounded by hills
Fiesta Patronal de San Ignacio de Loyola
Patron saint of Monkayo. Solemn masses, processions, and community activities.
Fiesta Patronal de Santiago Apóstol
Feast of Saint James the Apostle Parish (established 1960). Masses, processions, and community banquets.
Araw ng Compostela / Buganihan Festival
Founding anniversary (1948). "Buganihan" combines "buga" (sharing) and "bayanihan" (unity). Tribute to Mandaya bagani warriors, agricultural exhibitions, Binibining Compostela pageant.
History: Founded in 1948
Araw ng Mawab / Pagsandugan Festival
"Pagsandugan" celebrates unity and thanksgiving of the first Mansaka settlers. Special non-working holiday.
History: Founded in 1959
Founder's Day
Honors the Tagalog settlers from Bataan who founded the municipality.
Sal'lupongan Festival
"Sal'lu" (sharing) + "pongan" (solidarity) in Mansaka. Celebration of unity in diversity among ethnic groups. Mansaka and Mandaya dances, crafts, indigenous music.
Araw ng Monkayo / Kariyawan Festival
Founding anniversary (1954). "Kariyawan" narrates the legend of a diwata (fairy) who protected the town and delivered the first gold. Street dances, miner competitions, Binibining Monkayo pageant.
History: Founded in 1954. Legend of the gold diwata
Kahimunan Festival
"Kahimunan" means "to gather" in Manobo. Festival of reunion of four tribes: Dibabawon, Mandaya, Mansaka, and Muslim community. Celebrates fruit harvests with dances and indigenous instruments.
Araw ng Pantukan / Pasaka Festival
Founding anniversary (1936, oldest municipality). "Pasaka" derives from two Datus of the Mansaka and Muslim tribes. Tribute to harvests and cultural heritage. Special non-working holiday.
History: Founded in 1936. Oldest municipality of Davao de Oro
P'yagsawitan Festival / Araw ng Maragusan
Founding anniversary (1977). Mansaka thanksgiving festival for the harvests. "Indak-Hudyaka sa P'yagsawitan" competition.
History: Founded in 1977
Town Fiesta
Traditional town fiesta.
Andugan Festival
Mandaya festival of the Kaimunan Lumad sang Compostela. Traditional dances representing Mandaya life.
Diwanag Festival
"Diwa nga Masanag" (resplendent). Spectacular light decorations, illuminated tunnels, lighting competitions between barangays.
Fiesta Patronal de la Sagrada Familia
Holy Family Parish (1979). Celebrated on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas.
History: Parish established in 1979
Simballay Festival
Symbolizes unity and solidarity. Thanksgiving celebration with communal feasts (boodle fights).
Indigenous Heritage
The 6 tribes that preserve the rich cultural heritage of Davao de Oro
Mansaka
One of the most prominent indigenous groups of Davao de Oro, known for their elaborate weavings and thanksgiving rituals.
Main locations
🕺 Dances
Ritual dances of agriculture, Hunting dances
🎨 Crafts
Weavings with geometric patterns, Beadwork, Basketry
🎵 Music
Gongs, Bamboo instruments, Tribal percussion
Associated festivals
Mandaya
Famous for their dagmay weavings with intricate geometric patterns and their bagani warriors.
Main locations
🕺 Dances
Dances representing everyday life, Bagani warrior dances
🎨 Crafts
Distinctive dagmay weavings, Traditional handicrafts
🎵 Music
Kudyapi (two-stringed lute), Gimbal (drum)
Associated festivals
Dibabawon
Indigenous group that maintains strong ties to the ancestral traditions of the highlands.
Main locations
🕺 Dances
Tribal celebration dances
🎨 Crafts
Traditional basketry, Weavings
🎵 Music
Bamboo instruments, Tribal drums
Associated festivals
Manobo (Ata-Manobo)
"Kahimunan" means to gather in Manobo, reflecting their emphasis on community unity.
Main locations
🕺 Dances
Tribal gathering dances
🎨 Crafts
Bamboo crafts, Traditional baskets
🎵 Music
Bamboo instruments, Native flutes
Associated festivals
Manguangan
Indigenous group that maintains distinctive cultural traditions in the region.
Main locations
🕺 Dances
Ceremonial dances
🎨 Crafts
Traditional weavings
🎵 Music
Tribal percussion
Kalagan
Coastal indigenous group with traditions related to fishing and the sea.
Main locations
🕺 Dances
Traditional coastal dances
🎨 Crafts
Maritime crafts, Weavings
🎵 Music
Traditional instruments
Associated festivals
Festivals by Municipality
11 municipalities, each with its unique cultural identity
Compostela
Provincial Capital
Fiesta Patronal de Santiago Apóstol
JulyFeast of Saint James the Apostle Parish (established 1960). Masses, processions, and community banquets.
Araw ng Compostela / Buganihan Festival
AugustFounding anniversary (1948). "Buganihan" combines "buga" (sharing) and "bayanihan" (unity). Tribute to Mandaya bagani warriors, agricultural exhibitions, Binibining Compostela pageant.
Andugan Festival
DecemberMandaya festival of the Kaimunan Lumad sang Compostela. Traditional dances representing Mandaya life.
Nabunturan
Provincial Capital
Araw ng Nabunturan
JulyFounding anniversary (1957). The name derives from "nabungturan" (surrounded by hills in Visayan). Special non-working holiday.
Simballay Festival
DecemberSymbolizes unity and solidarity. Thanksgiving celebration with communal feasts (boodle fights).
Monkayo
Fiesta Patronal de San Ignacio de Loyola
JulyPatron saint of Monkayo. Solemn masses, processions, and community activities.
Araw ng Monkayo / Kariyawan Festival
SeptemberFounding anniversary (1954). "Kariyawan" narrates the legend of a diwata (fairy) who protected the town and delivered the first gold. Street dances, miner competitions, Binibining Monkayo pageant.
Mawab
Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer
AprilIn 2020, the 50th patron saint feast was celebrated.
Araw ng Mawab / Pagsandugan Festival
August"Pagsandugan" celebrates unity and thanksgiving of the first Mansaka settlers. Special non-working holiday.
Harvest Festival
VariableHonors farmers with exhibitions, thanksgiving rituals, and fairs.
Montevista
Christmas Capital of Davao de Oro
Fiesta Patronal de San José Obrero
MayThe town was originally called "San Jose" in honor of this patron saint of workers.
Araw ng Montevista
JuneFounding anniversary (1966). Parades, fairs, and cultural presentations.
Diwanag Festival
December"Diwa nga Masanag" (resplendent). Spectacular light decorations, illuminated tunnels, lighting competitions between barangays.
Mabini
Araw ng Mabini
MayFounding anniversary (1953). Originally "Doña Alicia", renamed in honor of Apolinario Mabini in 1954.
L'yurot Festival
VariableFestival of Barangay Golden Valley, where 85-90% of the 5,000 residents are from the Mansaka tribe.
Fishermen's Festival
VariableCelebrates Mansaka and Mandaya fishing traditions of the coastal municipality on Davao Gulf.
Maco
Araw ng Maco / Kaimonan Festival
JuneMunicipal independence anniversary (1967). "Kaimonan" means thanksgiving in Mansaka. Tribal elder rituals, dances, traditional music, woven garments.
Fiesta Patronal de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro
JuneCelebration at the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Solemn masses and processions.
Maragusan
Summer Capital of Davao de Oro
Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer
AprilParish established in 1968 under the Diocese of Tagum.
Maragusan Eco-Expo
AprilExhibition of agricultural products and ecotourism taking advantage of the cool climate due to its high altitude.
Town Fiesta
NovemberTraditional town fiesta.
P'yagsawitan Festival / Araw ng Maragusan
NovemberFounding anniversary (1977). Mansaka thanksgiving festival for the harvests. "Indak-Hudyaka sa P'yagsawitan" competition.
New Bataan
Town Fiesta
MayTown fiesta according to the provincial government.
Fiesta de San Antonio de Padua
JunePatron saint of the municipality.
Araw ng New Bataan
JuneOfficial founding date (1968). The name honors First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay.
Sal'lupongan Festival
August"Sal'lu" (sharing) + "pongan" (solidarity) in Mansaka. Celebration of unity in diversity among ethnic groups. Mansaka and Mandaya dances, crafts, indigenous music.
Laak
Araw ng Laak
AprilFounding anniversary (1979). The name "Laak" comes from thornless bamboo in Ata-Manobo language.
Kahimunan Festival
September"Kahimunan" means "to gather" in Manobo. Festival of reunion of four tribes: Dibabawon, Mandaya, Mansaka, and Muslim community. Celebrates fruit harvests with dances and indigenous instruments.
Fiesta Patronal de la Sagrada Familia
DecemberHoly Family Parish (1979). Celebrated on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas.
Kaumahan Festival
VariableHonors farmers and agricultural heritage (rice, corn, coconut, cacao, rubber).
Pantukan
The Gold Coast
Fiesta Patronal de San José
MarchPatron saint of Parokya Ni San Jose. Solemn mass, processions, and traditional festivities.
Araw ng Pantukan / Pasaka Festival
NovemberFounding anniversary (1936, oldest municipality). "Pasaka" derives from two Datus of the Mansaka and Muslim tribes. Tribute to harvests and cultural heritage. Special non-working holiday.
Religious Celebrations
Catholic traditions that unite all communities
Holy Week
Processions, Way of the Cross (Via Crucis), Passion representations.
Activities
Flores de Mayo
Floral offerings to the Virgin Mary. Traditional Filipino-Catholic celebration.
Activities
All Saints' Day / All Souls' Day
Cemetery visits to honor the dead.
Activities
Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses)
Nine-day novena of pre-Christmas dawn masses. Unique Filipino Catholic tradition.
Activities
Christmas & New Year
Christmas and New Year family celebrations with traditional midnight feasts (Noche Buena, Media Noche).
Activities
Eid al-Fitr
Celebration marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Major holiday for Muslim communities.
Activities
Eid al-Adha
Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Major pilgrimage season in Mecca.
Activities
Ramadan
Holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Month of increased prayer, charity, and Quran recitation.
Activities
Mawlid al-Nabi
Birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Celebrated with processions, prayers, and community gatherings.
Activities
Lailat al-Qadr
Night of Power, when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Muhammad. Night of intensive prayer.