The night market at Colon Street, as shown in this Dec. 29, 2010, file photo.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — After two years, another icon in Cebu City’s vibrant night scene will return.
Officials of the Cebu City Government announced on Thursday, September 15 that the Colon Street Night Market will be back.
The Colon Street Night Market will welcome visitors again starting this Saturday, September 17.
Around 400 vendors are expected to join the night market, organizers said.
Cebu City Councilor Pesquera, during Thursday’s press conference at Iconique Mall, said the night market will run for the next three weekends – from September 17 to September 18, from September 23 to September 25, and from September 30 until October 2.
It will be open from 6 p.m. until midnight.
The night market formed part of the city’s Lakbay Lingaw Tourism Festival to help spur economic activities here.
“It also coincides with September as the Tourism Month,” said Pesquera.
Maria Pino, president of the Cebu City United Vendors Association (CCUVA), said around 340 vendors will be selling dry goods and another 130 will be food vendors.
Pino said vendors in Cebu City welcomed the revival of the Colon Night Market after struggling in the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kung mabuhi ang Colon, mabuhi sad mi. Mabuhi sad ang mga establisyemento,” said Pino.
A dry-run will also be held on Friday, September 16 to determine which areas needed improvement, Pesquera said.
With the night market’s return, motorists and commuters are told to expect several road closures in downtown Cebu City.
Paul Gotiong, officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), said portions of Colon Street will be closed from traffic.
In particular, they stretch between Metro Colon and the Colon marker.
Gotiong said they will be deploying 15 enforcers around the vicinities and roads linking the night market.
He added that there will also be designated parking areas. /rcg
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