THE popular night market on Colon Street in Cebu City has reopened in time for the observation of Ramadan. It features a special section for Halal food, and traditional Muslim products and culture.
The Ramadan night market which opens Fridays to Sundays, from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. began Friday, March 24, 2023 and will run until the last week of April 2023.
It is located in front of McDonald’s Colon at the corner of Osmeña Boulevard up to the corner of Mabini Street. An area near D. Jakosalem Street fronting Gaisano Main is allocated for the sellers of Halal food.
Cebu City United Vendors Association president Maria Pino said the Ramadan night market is a tribute to the Muslim community. Around 70 percent of vendors who will be participating in the night market are Muslims.
A makeshift prayer room has been prepared since Muslim vendors have to pray five times a day in view of the Ramadan, said Pino.
Ijodin Mamacol, executive director of the Office of the Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), said the schedule of activities highlighting the traditions and culture of the Muslims will be announced soon.
The Cebu City Transportation Office assured traffic enforcers and alternative routes will be in place to help drivers and commuters.
Meanwhile, Cebu Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (Ceset) chief Grace Luardo said Ceset personnel will be deloyed to ensure the stretch of Colon will be cleaned once vendors close their stalls at dawn.