After 30 years in Chimbote, Progreso market had its official last day of business. Largely populated by unregistered vendors, Progreso is the largest, most affordable open market in Chimbote and neighboring cities. Open 7 days a week 6 am to 1 pm and within walking distance from our house. When you think of an indigenous market, this is the closest thing we have. Everyone sells everything here. People from neighboring suburbs will come to Chimbote to shop for the bargains and after today, it is closed.
About twenty school buses full of police from Lima were brought in to put the law into effect. The market is being forced to close and open up in various neighborhoods on a smaller scale. Registered, of course, with the city. Prices will probably go up all around including at the local restaurants. Chimbote is growing with many street improvements. So for some, this is progress. Shopping Sunday morning was probably dangerous but with Julie's Peruvian boyfriend, Alex, watching our back, Julie and I shopped and took pictures at the market on its last day.
We approached the market close to noon. Some of the police were already there. They tripled in man power by the time we left. Bulldozers were parked outside the market to clear anyone that resisted. Vendors were clearing their goods and foot traffic was crazy. We finished close to 1 pm. As we were leaving, there was a noticeable sense of urgency and panic in the air. Mobs were assembling to watch the historic moment. The police were about 5 men deep and 20 men wide with shields and batons dressed in black. Some had rifles. We made it safely back home with cameras and food still in our possession. The new market, we are told, will not be far from the house but probably a little more expensive. Ironically, Progreso market has closed in the name of progress. Click on "Marcelle's photos" on the right of the blog page to view the now historic market photos.
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