The iconic Purumetache Feast in Sanguem is seeing a difficult year for its traditional dry fish vendors, with heavy rainfall and lower-than-usual foot traffic severely affecting sales. For many sellers who have been part of the feast for over 50 years, this year's event has been nothing short of disappointing.
Despite the festival lasting three days, many stalls remain full of unsold dry fish, with sellers claiming they are unable to even cover their basic expenses. One vendor expressed frustration, saying, "There is no crowd, no customers. And on top of that, the contractor charges us high fees every day, which we simply cannot afford."
The attendance this year has seen a significant dip, with a single kokum vendor being the only representative of the traditional food section. This marks a stark contrast to past years, when the event was known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling food stalls.
In light of their losses, many vendors have turned to the contractor and the municipal council, requesting a reduction in daily stall fees to alleviate the mounting costs of transportation and setting up their booths. "We can’t even sell our stock. If things don’t improve, we’ll have to reconsider participating in future events," said one concerned vendor.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by small vendors who depend on events like the Purumetache Feast to sustain their businesses, and many are hoping for immediate support to help them through this tough period.