Market vendors want Christmas events continued

CEBU, Philippines —  Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, stall owners and vendors of Carbon Public Market, the oldest and largest farmers’ market in Cebu City, want to continue holding the traditional nine-day Misa de Gallo at the market.

Cebu City Market Authority head Irvin Cabales said the vendors’ proposal was already submitted to the Office of the Mayor for approval.

Misa de Gallo, which starts on December 16 and ends on December 24, is among the highlights of the annual Pasko sa Carbon, an annual celebration of great bounty and prosperous harvest for the vendors.

Market vendor Noel Jumao-as said the event is one of the vendors’ ways of thanking God for all the blessings.

“Pinaagi sa misa, magpasalamat ang vendors sa Kahitas-an nga nagpabilin gihapon ang among mga negosyo bisan paman sa mga pagsulay nga atong naagian,” he said.

The Vatican has recognized the traditional nine-day dawn masses leading to Christmas Eve as a significant Filipino tradition. — KQD (FREEMAN)