THE Bangus Festival street party on April 30. (Photo via Liezle Inigo)
DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – More than one million people trooped to the Bangusan street party on the New De Venecia Road Extension here on Thursday, April 30, Mayor Belen Fernandez said.
Kalutan ed Dalan (street party), which is the highlight of the Bangus Festival 2026, opened with a ceremonial lighting led by Fernandez, with city officials and special guest San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.
Fernandez said the number of attendees was 10 percent more compared to 2025 and underscored the growing popularity and international appeal of the festival.
"Last night proved one thing, lumalakas ang Bangusan street party dahil po sa inyo (because of you)! The crowd was visibly bigger, more engaged, and fully locked in. We recorded a 10 percent 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," she said in a Facebook post.
Fernandez thanked sponsors, offices, and partner agencies for their support to the event.
Residents and tourists grilled and shared 20,000 world-class bangus from this city during the street party which was generally peaceful and well-managed through coordinated efforts of local government units, security forces, and volunteers.
Popular artists performed in six major stages such as IV of Spades, Arthur Nery, Sponge Cola, Maki, Klarisse, Al James, Flow G, Skusta Clee, Elias TV, The Juans, Imago, and GMA-7 stars.
Zamora thanked Fernandez for inviting him to the festival.
"It was truly inspiring to witness the unity, culture, and pride of the people of Dagupan City as they celebrated this meaningful tradition centered on their world-renowned bangus industry," Zamora said in a Facebook post.
"Thank you very much Mayor Belen Fernandez, Vice Mayor BK Cua, city councilors, city and barangays officials, and to our dear Dagupeños for the very warm welcome and gracious hospitality. It was truly a memorable experience for me! See you again next year!" he added.
Zamora and Fernandez on Thursday morning signed a sisterhood agreement at CSI Stadia here to open new opportunities for collaboration in education, healthcare, tourism, livelihood, and economic development between Dagupan and San Juan City.