The City Government of Davao has officially ushered in the holiday season, launching the much-anticipated Pasko Fiesta sa Davao 2025 with a blend of nostalgic tradition and vibrant community spirit. The festivities, carrying the theme "Paskong Dabawenyo, Paskong Pilipino," promise a December filled with light, music, and shared joy, despite operating with a slightly reduced budget.
Road Closures and Parade Routes for Key Events
To accommodate the major events, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has announced a series of temporary road closures. The action starts with the popular Banda Dasig and Para sa Pasko parade on Sunday, December 7.
The parade begins at 1 p.m., necessitating closures along several key roads:
- Roxas Avenue (from Quezon Blvd. to Ponciano Rotonda)
- C.M. Recto Avenue (from San Pedro Street to Roxas Avenue)
- Bonifacio Street (from C.M. Recto to Iñigo Street)
- Iñigo Street (from Bonifacio to San Pedro)
- San Pedro Street (from C.M. Recto to Iñigo)
Motorists are advised not to park in these areas starting at 8 a.m. to allow for assembly. The parade will proceed from Roxas Avenue, turn left to C.M. Recto, right to Bonifacio, left to Iñigo, and conclude at San Pedro Street heading towards San Pedro Square.
This year's Banda Dasig competition is a lively affair, featuring 27 elementary school contingents, 18 open-category performers, and 11 entries competing for the Parada sa Pasko crown.
Traffic Plans for Dawn Masses and Pamainit sa Pasko
Separate traffic adjustments are in place for the traditional Siyam ka Kadlawon dawn masses and the Pamainit sa Pasko along Bolton Street. From December 16 to 24, Bolton Street—from San Pedro to Pichon—will host early morning food vendors from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
A strict no-entry policy will be enforced for vehicles coming from C.M. Recto, from Rizal Street turning into Bolton, and from Pichon heading toward San Pedro Street to ensure pedestrian safety during the dawn gatherings.
A Season of Light and Community Amid Budget Adjustments
The city's holiday glow commenced with the lighting of a majestic 30-foot Christmas tree at Rizal Park on November 27 during the Dan-ag Davao ug Pag-abli sa Pasko ceremony. The launch event, headlined by homegrown artist Jona Soquite, also premiered the official 2025 Pasko Fiesta music video.
While the spirit remains bright, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) confirmed this year's celebrations are backed by a P44-million budget. This is lower than the previous year's P52 million allocation. The CTOO initially sought P32 million and later secured an additional P12 million to fund the core festivities.
Due to the budget reduction, some events like the annual grand Year-End Party have been scaled down. However, city officials assure residents and visitors that the heart of the celebration remains intact, with a full lineup of family-friendly activities throughout December, continuing Davao's warm tradition of welcoming Christmas.
