The City of Mandaue is one of the three highly urbanized cities on the island of Cebu. The name of the city supposedly came from the mantawi plant, which is a type of vine that was abundant in the area in the past. The city was once a village ruled by Apo Noan, as indicated on the records of the Venetian chronicler Pigafetta. The place once served as a bulwark for the church in the northern part of the island by the Jesuits in 1638. It was later converted into a pueblo by the Spaniards in 1839. The city is home to a number of industries and business process outsourcing companies that have contributed to its growth and development.
The Mantawi Festival of Mandaue showcases the heritage and identity of the people of Mandaue. The festival highlights the history and culture of the city through street dancing, floats, dioramas, a trade fair, and sports events. Similar to the Sinulog, the Mantawi Festival is a colorful celebration where people from all over metro Cebu witness every year.