This Christmas market, recognized for its beauty and tourist attractiveness, extends each year around the Lydia », an emblematic boat of the region. The event, which attracts thousands of visitors, is now facing an opening delay due to extensive material damage.
The disaster broke out around 4:30 a.m.and it was the installation site surveillance teams who raised the alarm. In the space of a few hours, the flames devastated approximately 3 000 m² of the installation, affecting seven wooden chalets, three shipping containers and four refrigerated trucks. The rapid intervention of the 61 firefighters dispatched to the site made it possible to limit the fire, which was brought under control at 7 a.m., thus sparing the main attractions, including the ice rink, the toboggan run and the rides.
Reconstruction work on the Christmas market
Despite the fire being brought under control, the organizers of the Christmas market are now faced with significant cleaning and securing work to be able to envisage a rapid opening. “ We are doing everything possible to open next week, although some facilities will need to be restored “, they announced. At present, the causes of the fire remain unknownand an investigation was launched to determine the exact origin of the disaster, although the first elements indicate an accidental cause.
Despite this hard blow, residents and organizers hope that the Barcarès Christmas Village will still be able to open its doors this year, even if this will involve certain adaptations and additional delay. This festive and friendly village is not only a major event for the region, but also a local economic engine, bringing together artisans, traders and visitors around the spirit of the end-of-year holidays.
A delicate political context
According to information from 20 minutesthe drama takes place in an already sensitive context for the commune of Barcarès. Indeed, the mayor, Alain Ferrand, is currently under investigation for various charges, including corruption and favoritism. Last May, he was accused of having favored certain companies in the awarding of public contracts for the installation of chalets in this same Christmas village. Released under judicial supervision since November 4, he does not, however, have the right to appear on the territory of the municipality.
Also read: Marseille: the PS mayor replaces his Christmas trees with plastic models
