DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — The coastal city of Dagupan successfully concluded its world-renowned Bangus Festival with a massive three-kilometer street party on Thursday, April 30. Dubbed “Kalutan ed Dalan” (Grilling on the Street), the event transformed the De Venecia Highway into a vibrant culinary and musical hub, drawing a record-breaking crowd that signaled a 10% increase in attendance compared to the previous year.
Despite the prevailing economic uncertainties linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the 2026 celebration saw approximately 20,000 pieces of world-class milkfish grilled simultaneously along the New De Venecia Road Extension.
In a statement released on May 1, Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez highlighted the success of the festivities and the resilience of the local community. “Last night proved one thing, lumalakas ang Bangusan Street Party dahil po sa inyo! The crowd was visibly bigger, more engaged, and fully locked in. We recorded a 10% increase in spectators compared to last year! That is real growth, driven by people who chose to come, celebrate, and be part of something bigger (Last night proved one thing, the Bangusan Street Party is getting stronger because of you!),” she said.
The celebration was bolstered by performances from star-studded artists across six different stages. Crowd favorites such as IV of Spades, Arthur Nery, Maki, Sponge Cola, and Al James energized the audience, while Stages 5 and 6 featured rap icons like Flow G and Skusta Clee, alongside bands Imago and The Juans. The diverse lineup ensured that the three-kilometer extension road was packed with visitors from various parts of the country.
Beyond the entertainment, the ‘Kalutan ed Dalan‘ served as a showcase of Dagupan’s culture and unity, reinforcing the city’s position as the “Bangus Capital of the World.“|
