Araw ng Dabaw 2024: The 87th Anniversary of Davao City’s Founding

Located on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, Davao City is considered one of the most vibrant and economically robust cities in the country. As the third largest city in the Philippines, Davao occupies a total land area of over 2,400 square kilometers and serves as the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao.

Each year on March 1st, Davao City commemorates its founding anniversary through a festival called Araw ng Dabaw. Almost a decade older than Davao City’s incorporation as an official chartered city in 1936, Araw ng Dabaw pays tribute to the city’s establishment back on March 1, 1848. Originally founded as Nueva Vergara by a Spanish conquistador, the settlement was attacked by indigenous tribes before being re-established as Davao by European settlers in 1867.

Malacañang has officially declared March 1st a special non-working holiday in honor of Davao City’s 87th founding anniversary Araw ng Dabaw celebrations. With great excitement amongst organizers and city officials, there will surely be festive events, performances, and activities for locals and visitors to enjoy.

The History Behind Araw ng Dabaw

The Araw ng Dabaw festival has its origins in the 1930s, when Davao City officials first conceptualized celebrating an annual Davao Day. They wanted a special event to commemorate Davao’s establishment as a town by the Gulf of Davao on March 1, 1848.

While the early history of the region speaks of Tutugan, Sirian, and Bagobo tribal influences, Spanish conquistador Don Jose Uyanguren is credited with founding the first official Davao settlement of Nueva Vergara on St. Peter’s feast day, March 1st, in 1848. Initial territorial conflicts disrupted this early settlement before Spanish, American, and European traders re-established order, eventually incorporating the area as Davao City in October 1936.

Since the inaugural Araw ng Dabaw events in the 1930s, which featured civic parades, talent shows, and public concerts, the annual anniversary celebrations have certainly grown in scale and popularity over recent decades. What began as a simple feast day commemoration has transformed into a weeklong showcase of Davao’s people, achievements, and diverse cultures.

The 2024 Araw ng Dabaw Festivities

This year marks the 87th anniversary celebration of Davao City’s establishment. The 2024 Araw ng Dabaw events promise to be particularly momentous, with organizers planning a total of 14 major events to take place on March 1st.

Though official schedules have yet to be announced, there is much anticipation building for signature events like public concerts, cultural displays of cuisine and art, as well as vibrant parades expected to highlight indigenous dancers and customs.

The city government has allocated an estimated budget of 34 million Philippine pesos to support the expanded programming and operations of the 2024 Araw ng Dabaw regional holiday. From decorations spanning kilometers of downtown streets, to state-of-the-art stage productions, city officials are keen on putting together an unforgettable experience that pays tribute to Davao’s past while looking ambitiously to its future as an engine of Mindanao.

Schedule of Activities 

The Significance of Araw ng Dabaw

Beyond the economic benefits and tourism appeal, the annual Araw ng Dabaw anniversary celebrations hold deeper meaning and importance for locals and visitors alike.

The festivities promote great civic pride, with color and creativity on full display to honor Davao’s rich cultural roots. From Muslim influences seen in cooking traditions, to shades of Spanish and American colonial rule visible through enduring architecture and infrastructure, the events showcase a dynamic heritage for all to appreciate.

The festivals also foster greater awareness of indigenous tribes, giving their arts, dances, and other unique cultural elements a valued platform. After all, they were the earliest stewards of the land, long before conquests or governance.

Above all, Araw ng Dabaw symbolizes the spirit of Mindanao. It brings unity and a collaborative message of promise. The city holiday inspires hope for continued peace and prosperity across the southern Philippines. Locals and tourists alike are guaranteed lasting memories through the city’s annual collective celebration of grit, growth, and gratitude.