This Saturday, November 23, with a short week's delay following the fire of certain chalets and containers, the impressive Barcarès Christmas Village opened its doors. For this first day, thousands of visitors came to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
As if nothing had happened. As if a fire had not ravaged several chalets and shipping containers a few days earlier. On the night of Sunday November 10 to Monday November 11, flames destroyed part of the Barcarès Christmas Village. The intervention mobilized 61 firefighters from the Pyrénées-Orientales. Just 12 days later, here it is. The most famous Christmas village in the South of France officially raised its curtain this Saturday, November 23, 2024. That is, one week to the day after the date initially planned. And unsurprisingly, thousands of families made the trip.
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VIDEO. Le Barcarès: fire in the Christmas village, seven chalets and two containers destroyed, around twenty gas bottles impacted
The Independent – Charles Baron
The Independent – Charles Baron
The damaged part hidden
Six hectares of entertainment. A city within a city. A behemoth that attracts several hundred thousand people every year. The Barcarès Christmas Village is an institution. An institution known and recognized by the Catalans, the French elsewhere and even foreigners. This Saturday afternoon, this reputation was once again verified. The village had only been open for a few hours and there were already crowds on the site's red carpet. A crowd made up of many southern Catalans who had crossed the border to come and relive the experience. Because clearly, it is one.
The Independent – Charles Baron
The Independent – Charles Baron
Restaurateurs will be able to use the new facilities from Thursday, November 28
Once you have passed the long entrance driveway, the magic begins immediately. Regardless of age. Chalets as far as the eye can see, ski cabins, dozens of machines, giant Santas, snow-covered fir trees. And the sea as a backdrop for an atypical exotic Christmas. In front of the Lydia, the sandy liner that has become one of the symbols of the demonstration, Claire's blue eyes sparkle. Coming with her big brother, the 8-year-old girl no longer knows where to look. “We went sledding, rides and visited Santa’s house. Now we’re going to go ice rink,” whispers the little one.
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Fire at the Barcarès Christmas Village: “The worst option would be that we would not be able to operate our restaurant”
The Independent – Charles Baron
The Independent – Charles Baron
Among the must-sees, several activities are back this year. Notably the fabulous parades, the ice rink and its show, the ice cream museum with new sculptures. And dozens more. A real Christmas amusement park where, while some are enjoying, others are busy where the fire took place. “We have hidden this part while waiting for the end of the work in progress. The chalets continue to be set up. The restaurateurs initially planned in these places will be able to use the new installations from Thursday, November 28. All those who wish to leave will be able to leave on new concessions”indicated Martine Gisolo, elected official in charge of tourism and president of the Barcarès tourist office.
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Fire at the Barcarès Christmas village: “I feel immeasurable pain and anger”, the reaction of Mayor Alain Ferrand
Another date to mark on the calendar is that of the Village's first fireworks display. Join us on Friday, November 29 at 10:30 p.m. to admire the show, glass of mulled wine in hand.
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