ILOILO City — The city government is targeting 18,000 visitors for the three-day Fiesta sa Calle Real Night Market this August 28 to 30, seeking to build on an event that has already generated more than P11.5 million in sales and drawn about 97,000 visitors in its previous seven runs.
More than 90 kiosks operated by 63 confirmed vendors will transform the historic Calle Real into a nighttime showcase of Ilonggo food, heritage, arts and homegrown businesses as part of Iloilo City’s 89th Charter Month Celebration.
This year’s night market carries the theme, “Celebrating Heritage, Community, IIonggo Pride, Local Flavors, and Cultural Performances.”
Leny Ledesma, executive assistant and Iloilo City’s focal person for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, said the market will go beyond the usual street-food offerings, with local souvenirs, goods and other products also available.
“It’s not your usual street foods naton, ginapili man naton kung ano ang masulod para maka-offer man kita sang variety,” Ledesma said.
Aside from food and merchandise, the event will feature cultural dances, 12 buskers and a new aerial act by the Bereber Group. Karaoke and a fiesta-themed photo booth have also been added to this year’s attractions.
The city is likewise tightening food safety, sanitation and public-safety measures for the event.
All participating vendors have undergone food handling and food safety training and have been required to secure health cards.
“All participating vendors already underwent food handling and food safety training. Wala kita vendors nga wala sang health card man, istrikto kita dira because of course creative city of gastronomy kita,” Ledesma said.
Teams composed of personnel from the Iloilo City Health Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office and Public Order and Safety Management Office, among others, will inspect kiosks to ensure cleanliness and order.
Inspections will also cover electrical connections, cooking and liquefied petroleum gas setups, proper waste segregation, availability of trash bins, and the cleanliness of drainage areas.
The latest staging seeks to sustain the economic impact of the night market. According to Ledesma, its previous seven editions attracted around 97,000 visitors, generated more than P11.5 million in sales, and involved more than 550 stalls.
“On August 28 to 30, the Calle Real will come alive as its transforms into vibrant festive corridor featuring ang aton gastronomy, heritage, arts, and home grown businesses,” Ledesma said./PN
