November 28th, 2024
is Thanksgiving Day in the States, here it is the day when Spain kicks off their Christmas season.
The day started with a cold damp fog blanketing the city.
With students safely in class, the parents and workers start their day.
By midday, prams and strollers start appearing. Yes it is cool, but the sun feels good.
However...
Once the sun sets, the ceremonies begin...
starting with fireworks, Christmas carols, the lighting of displays, and colorful street lights...
Walking toward the Plaza Major, the pedestrian streets are decorated.
The Christmas lights combined with the normal cafe lights,
create an interesting kaleidoscope of color.
In the Plaza Major, an all-lights Christmas tree, along with several religious displays,
a double-decker carousel and numerous Market stalls welcome the people
.
When they first opened the gates and lit the lights,
it was shoulder to shoulder in the Plaza. Am here now after the majority of people have left.
A few of the Holiday Market stalls were still open for business.
This stall has bagged nuts, candied nuts, candied fruit, etc, all locally crafted.
Between now and Christmas Day, they will be very busy.
An offshoot from the main Plaza, they have their own decorations and themes.
A seller of local sweet cookies and breads is open and happy.
Some of his baskets are already empty. Business is off to a great start.
In a different Plaza, there are other activities.
Here a kiddie train ride was set up for toddlers and their parents
A Y intersection, two streets, two different light displays.
An interesting intersection as cars are not allowed to go straight but must turn left.
Only Taxis, Buses, and Motorcycles are allowed to enter
this narrower street as it goes through a very popular pedestrian area.
As the temperature drops, most people head for home as tomorrow is school and work day.
Except for college students and young professionals
who stay out with their friends until the cafe closes.
More photos of the Christmas season here are to follow in the coming weeks.
Ride safe, ride far, my friends
CCjon
Interesting to see how much they decorate. I remember as a kid the City of New Haven decorating the entire downtown area streets the same way. No more, just a tree on the town green. I was in Germany back in the late 90's between Christmas and Thanksgiving and was disappointed that the decorations there were very Spartan.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in a small town in Ohio, I remember Christmas carols being broadcast by local businesses as one walked in the snow under the street decorations. Am sure in New Haven you remember the sound of really cold snow crunching under your feet as you walked. I miss that sound in Texas. Don't miss the freezing temps, just that sound.
DeleteNice juxtaposition of the buildings in the second shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks Redlegs, the weather forecast is for freezing temps with a slight chance of snow here next week. Getting closer to the time we should leave for a warmer place... Texas?
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