Barcelona's Boqueria market to remain closed on summer Sundays and bank holidays
Work-life balance and aim to continue as a "leading market for fresh produce" among reasons for not using permission
Barcelona's Boqueria market will remain closed on summer Sundays and bank holidays, thus not using the permission granted by local and Catalan authorities for stores in the city center to open all days between May 15 and September 15.
All shops in central Ciutat Vella and Eixample districts are allowed to open all Sundays and bank holidays from noon to 8pm during the summer season, as well as some neighborhoods in the Sants-Montjuïc, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó, and Sant Martí districts.
Yet, around 80% of sellers who took part in an internal vote on Wednesday sided against extending their timetables.
In a statement, the council of trades in the market explained that voters want to "continue being a leading market for fresh, seasonal and quality produce for Barcelona residents."
Moreover, sellers also say "resting and work-life balance" are also important.
La Boqueria market
Inaugurated in 1840, Boqueria is a famed market located in the emblematic La Rambla boulevard and has become a tourist hotspot over the past few years.
The site boasts dozens of stalls selling all sorts of fresh products including meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, legumes, olives, and canned food.
Opening from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8.30pm, alive lobsters and other seafood, smoothies or its iconic facade with Barcelona's coat of arms are some of the tourist attractions.