Some merchants along Alum Rock Avenue in San José expressed concern that every time the “Viva Calle” event takes place they have economic losses, some even indicating that they have even had to close.
The annual Viva Calle festival will take place on June 9 so the city will close streets from Alum Rock Avenue to east San Jose.
Marcos Hernández, from Mariscos Costa Alegre explained that with the economy as it is currently, he cannot miss the day with the most sales.
“We spent the winter rough for several months. Now a hot day arrives, and it closes for me on Sunday. It is what is sold on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday,” said Marco.
Just like Marco, other merchants have expressed their discomfort at the holding of this festival.
“I am very upset, a lot of anger, a lot of helplessness, helplessness that is honestly felt,” said Javier Sandoval of El Nuevo Rancho Alegre.
“We are really upset because on a Sunday and Sunday is when the most people come,” explained Daniel Ornegas of Pefect Events.
Viva Calle attracts thousands of people to spend a day outdoors and perhaps ride their bikes or walk through parts of the city they may have never seen, but merchants said this comes with a cost to them.
“It’s sales day for us. It causes us loss, right now we are thinking about closing that day,” said María Delatorre from Mexico Bakery.
Councilman Peter Ortiz indicated that the city must find ways to include businesses as part of the celebrations, while some have another suggestion.
“Let people who want to walk go there to Alum Rock Park, to the hill, go walk to the hill or to any park,” said Sandoval.
