The municipality of Carmen is slated to host its annual Kahayag Festival this December, when it will illuminate the town hall and parks. Though a soft opening of the festival was already held on October 29 with an inter-barangay sportsfest, the 6th Kahayag Festival will be highlighted with lighting of Christmas trees, Belens and other Christmas symbols on December 8. During the lightinhg of lights the etravagant fireworks blends its playful and color sparks.

Interviewed by the Philippine Information Agency, Carmen tourism officer Romulo Sambajon Jr. said that among the activities are weekly Kahayag Pop Idol Singing Contest starting on November 18; and Lagobo sa Kadalanan, an interschool street dancing competition on December 8.Dance groups all over Mindanao are also encouraged to participate in the Sayaw Indayog sa Kahayagan, a modern dance competition using lights, which will be staged on December 18.

Carmen – a first class municipality in the province of Davao del Norte – is located about 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Davao City, and about 17 kilometers (11 miles) from Tagum City, the capital of Davao del Norte. 

Kahayag Festival serves as the town’s celebration of thanksgiving for its bountiful blessings received each year and it is celebrated during the Yuletide season. 

During the whole month of December, the 4-hectare Town Plaza and Tourism Complex is adorned by giant Christmas Trees, different Christmas Lanterns, colorful Belens that all glitter and shine at night – a spectacular sight that draws the attention of the locals, tourists and even passers-by.

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This is an LGU-initiated event but widely participated by the all Barangays, schools, various groups, private sectors and even different corporations.

During the month-long celebration, different festivities are staged every night participated by the different agencies and groups in the town. It has becomes one grand celebration that the people of Carmen looks forward to every year.

Kahayag Festival 2017 sa Carmen runs from December 8, 2016 to January 2, 2017. So, when you’re passing by Carmen, do drop by the Town Plaza and Tourism Complex and be mesmerized by this Holiday Landmark of Davao Del Norte.

In the Province of Davao Del Norte, one town celebrates the Holiday Season beyond the usual Christmas Celebration. The celebration is grand and has become the town’s signature event staged every year. This is the Kahayag Festival of the Municpality of Carmen which is now on its 7th year.