But this year’s fest, which kicks off on April 16, will be simple, sans the frenzy that marked last year’s bid to beat Peru’s 613-meter barbecue record.
Mayor Benjamin Lim sees this year’s Kalutan ed Dagupan (Grilling in Dagupan) as a reunion of sorts for the people behind the success of last year’s 1,007.56-meter barbecue record.
Just like in two past Bangus Festivals, there will be grilling of bangus (milkfish) along A.B. Fernandez Avenue, the site of the record-breaking feat, on April 30.
To enliven the event, there will be non-stop music, dancing and fun until the wee hours of the morning. At 10 p.m., there will be a fireworks display.
The festival formally opens on April 26 with WOW Dagupan, a trade fair showcasing locally produced souvenir items, food and clothing, among other products. There will also be food stalls at the city plaza.
On April 29, a motorcade will go around the city starting at 7 a.m., followed by the Gilon! Gilon ed Dalan (Bangus Harvest Dance Fest) at 1 p.m.
Later at 8 p.m., the members of the Dagupan boxing team will be pitted against Baguio City boxers in an invitational tournament at the city plaza.
On April 30, it will be the turn of the city’s top hotels and restaurants to show off their culinary expertise in the "101 Ways to Cook Bangus" at the People’s Astrodome, starting at 8 a.m.
Later in the afternoon, the creativity, artistry and craftsmanship of the city’s barangays, institutions and establishments will be displayed in elaborately decorated floats taking part in the Bangus ed Karosa (Grand Creative Float Parade).
Since the festival will run up to the city’s annual Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival), several activities are lined up on May 1, starting with a 7 a.m. thanksgiving Mass at the Bonuan beach, followed by a colorful fluvial parade.
That same day, the Bangus Rodeo, featuring the search for the longest, heaviest and "most beautiful" bangus, and contests on bangus eating, deboning and classifying, will take place in Barangay Tondaligan.