GironaThe barcarès Christmas market, which last year recorded one million six hundred thousand visitors, of which around half came from Southern Catalonia, is a tourist attraction in Northern Catalonia. Because the Barcarès is not an isolated mushroom, but there are Christmas markets in other places in northern Catalonia, even if in more than one case they were born near the Barcarès. Canet de Rosselló has also had its own for a few years,as has Cervera de la Marenda,Sant Genís de Fontanes,Vilallonga dels Monts,elna or portvendres,among others,in addition to that of the capital,perpignan. Some last two or three days, others fifteen or twenty, and many have activities scheduled throughout the month of December and up to the fifth of January.
Chinese inspired light show
However, if there is one activity that stands out in the offer of northern Catalonia in recent weeks, it is the theme park Splendours of Chinaopen in Ceret from mid-November. It is indeed a novelty and it is a spectacular assembly of lampposts and sculptures of mythological plants and animals inspired by the Chinese tradition which has been installed in the garden of the Aubiri castle – of five hectares – in the capital of Vallespir. Around three thousand LED lanterns,to limit electricity consumption,Chinese dance and theater shows,mapping and fireworks on Saturdays stand out in this new proposal,created on the initiative of the population of Ceret and the Nanjing district,and of which the celebration of eighty years of Franco-Chinese friendship begins. “The place to install this assembly in the French state was decided by the Chinese and now we are in a twinning process between Ceret and nanjing. We are a population of 8,000 and they are a district of thirteen million. Well, we” We will do that that we can”, says Martí Vilà Passola, councilor for Culture and Catalanism of the Municipality of Ceret.
The ”theme park of light”, as Vilà calls it, has an avenue of restaurants where there are stalls selling Chinese food and others selling northern Catalan cuisine. “This variety allows you to come and go from one culture to another,” explains the councilor. “They chose this place because they liked the castle a lot, but also because it is a strategic point not only for Northern Catalonia but also for Occitania and Southern Catalonia”, adds Vilà, who has many relatives in the south who they already said they will visit the park. ”We were also surprised by the fact that quite a few French people came from the north of the Hexagon.” This event can be seen until February 16 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
Ceret will also have its Christmas market on Sunday 15 December,as will the Fira del Gras.
For its part, the capital of Roussillon also has its Christmas market in the city center. Perpignan has programmer Christmas parades, live nativity scene, Catalan dance shows and uncles’ party, among other activities.
Him Christmas Market de Canet de Rosselló is also one of the most crucial in the region. It started on November 21st and will last until January 12th. The Christmas holidays in the French state begin on December 20th and from that day the offer of activities for the whole family increases considerably. conversely, on these dates, Northern Catalonia attracts more visitors from the south every year thanks to the wide range of Christmas proposals that are offered there.
What are the most popular attractions at the Barcarès Christmas Market?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Christmas Market Expert
Setting: A cozy café in Girona, filled with the warm glow of festive lights, as the Christmas spirit begins to fill the air.
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today! The Barcarès Christmas market has seen an remarkable increase in visitors. Can you tell us what makes this market such a significant tourist attraction in Northern Catalonia?
Expert: Thank you for having me! The Barcarès Christmas market has indeed become a major event,with last year’s total of 1.6 million visitors underscoring its regional importance. One key factor driving this popularity is its vibrant atmosphere, full of traditional crafts, local delicacies, and captivating holiday performances. It really captures the festive spirit that people seek during this season.
Editor: That’s fantastic! It’s noteworthy that around half of the visitors came from Southern Catalonia. Why do you think so many people are drawn to this particular market?
Expert: Southern Catalonia has a deep cultural connection with the region, and the Barcarès Christmas Market offers a unique experience that many locals cherish. It provides a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, attracting families looking for holiday activities. Moreover, its accessibility from major cities makes it a convenient getaway for a day of festive fun.
Editor: Absolutely! The blend of tradition and convenience is key. Can you elaborate on some of the traditional crafts and local delicacies that visitors might encounter at the market?
Expert: Certainly! Visitors can enjoy a vast array of artisanal crafts, ranging from handmade ornaments to local textiles. You’ll also find food stalls offering appetizing treats, such as “neules” (a traditional Catalan Christmas wafer) and “turrón” (nougat). Furthermore, local wines and cheeses are often featured, providing a taste of Northern Catalonia’s rich gastronomy.
Editor: Those delicacies sound amazing! With such a significant turnout, how does the local economy benefit from the market, and are there any challenges associated with such high visitor numbers?
Expert: The economic impact is ample; local businesses thrive during this season as visitors shop for crafts, dine, and experience entertainment. Though, managing high visitor numbers can pose challenges, such as ensuring public safety, maintaining cleanliness, and preserving the market’s charm. The organizers are continuously working on strategies to enhance visitor experience while addressing these logistical concerns.
Editor: It sounds like a balancing act! Looking ahead,what do you envision for the future of the Barcarès Christmas Market? Any exciting plans or changes on the horizon?
expert: The future looks radiant! There’s a continuous effort to innovate while retaining the market’s traditional essence. Greater emphasis on sustainability, like utilizing eco-kind materials for decorations and promoting local artisans, is on the agenda. Also, we may see expanded programming, such as workshops and cultural performances, to engage visitors more actively.
Editor: Those ideas sound marvelous! as someone deeply involved in this festive tradition, what would you say is your favorite aspect of the Barcarès Christmas Market?
Expert: It has to be the sense of community and joy that permeates the market. Witnessing people of all ages come together to celebrate, share stories, and create lasting memories is incredibly rewarding. It truly embodies the spirit of the holidays, and knowing that we are part of something that brings so much happiness is what makes it all worthwhile.
Editor: That’s beautifully said. Thank you for sharing your insights on the Barcarès Christmas Market. We can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve and enchant visitors in the years to come!
Expert: Thank you for having me! I look forward to witnessing the magic of the season unfold once again.
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(The interview concludes with the warmth of holiday spirit lingering in the air, as the editor and expert exchange festive greetings.)
