Le Barcarès, located in the picturesque region of Roussillon, is celebrating the festive season with its famed Village de Noël, officially open since November 23. This event, known as the southernmost Christmas market in France, has become a beloved tradition since its inception in 1999, drawing locals and tourists alike to bask in the holiday spirit.
Each year, the market transforms the small commune, attracting nearly one million visitors over the course of two months. It turns the town square and surrounding areas of Le Barcarès—spanning six hectares—into a vibrant wonderland illuminated by dazzling lights.
Visitors to the Village de Noël can indulge in various festivities, including ice sports, thrilling rides, and numerous stalls featuring local artisanal crafts and delicacies. According to one delighted visitor enjoying time with her daughter, "C'est vrai que c'est très appréciable d'avoir un parc comme ça qui représente vraiment bien Noël" ("It's true it's very nice to have such a park representing Christmas so well").
The market aims to evoke the nostalgic feelings of the holiday season. Another visitor reinforced this sentiment, stating, "Il est important de retrouver son âme d'enfant et de partager ce moment avec ses enfants" ("It is important to find one's inner child and share this moment with one's children").
When dusk falls, the true magic of the Village de Noël reveals itself. Thousands of lights come alive, enchanting visitors and turning the area around the market square and beyond, creating a dreamy atmosphere unlike any other. One wanderer expressed the overwhelming beauty of the decorations, saying, "C'est l'âme de Noël, on n'a pas l'occasion de voir des décors comme cela partout, c'est magique" ("It's the soul of Christmas; we don’t get to see decorations like this everywhere, it's magical").
Meanwhile, enriching the festive spirit, the Cantarelles group will present their traditional Pessebre event at the local church on December 21 at 6 PM. This longstanding custom showcases the Nativity of Jesus through songs sung in Catalan, featuring characters like shepherds and kings offering their gifts to the newborn child.
This evocative performance aims to spread messages of love and brotherhood, reminiscent of the Christmases from long ago. The Cantarelles group performs this cherished tradition with passion and dedication, ensuring the emotional essence of the holiday is shared with the audience.
The Pessebre del Rosselló not only highlights the cultural aspects of the Christmas celebrations but also invokes feelings of community and connection within Le Barcarès. The audience experiences not only the celebration of traditions through song but also the larger communal celebration encapsulated by the Village de Noël.
The Town Hall of Le Barcarès has worked tirelessly to organize various events throughout the season, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether it's browsing local crafts, savoring typical seasonal treats, or simply enjoying the joyful atmosphere.
Among the many attractions, visitors can also partake in diverse activities, indulge their taste buds with holiday confections, and immerse themselves within the cultural fabric of the region. Le Barcarès seeks to promote local artisans and encourage social gatherings, particularly during this festive time, making the Village de Noël truly special.
The ambiance of the holiday market paired with the intimate Pessebre performances serves to create lasting memories for families and friends alike, highlighting the importance of both community and tradition during the holiday season. Amid the animated chatter of visitors and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air, the true spirit of Christmas shines brightly throughout the village.
With the Christmas market and Pessebre event together, Le Barcarès emphasizes the significance of connection—one filled with joy, nostalgia, and reverence for traditions, strengthening the bonds of community during the holiday season.
