Christmas decorations: why are there black holes in certain streets of Toulouse?
Everyone will have noticed it: after a rather gloomy Christmas 2020, Christmas 2021 takes on a more ecological character in Toulouse, more aesthetic also in these illuminations and decorations. More diversity and newness bring to the city a festive character, enhanced with red and gold. Very followed by Toulusains, the theme of Christmas can go as far as the petition when discontent is felt. Like the rue de la Concorde, where several residents and shopkeepers have reported the absence of garlands at the start of the street, resulting in a large gray area on this section : " We don't understand what happened spent this year with this street, assures one of them. Because for decades, these specific decorations on street lamps have been coming back every Christmas. This time, out of the twelve in the street, only four, on the fountain side, wear decorations. The others, on the boulevard side, lack it and are sad. In other words, from the Decathlon sign to the Café de la Concorde, the illuminations are absent. An incomprehensible twilight at nightfall and a devaluation of trade ”. Because obviously everyone will have understood it : the decorations are not only there for the pleasure of the eyes but also for that of business : “ We have the impression of being somewhat forgotten in the city. A petition is also planned ”, continues this trader rue de la Concorde. We have already had problems with the tree near the Clémence Isaure fountain, subject to ignition failures. Everything is now back to normal, but it took time ”.
"The lack of decorations in certain areas of the ramblas, unbalances the whole"
Similar problem to Jean Jaurès : on the metro side, no more garlands. The superb decorations of the ramblas stop short, plunging this part of the alleys into total darkness. There too, the questions fuse " Why this black hole on the Wilson side which gives the impression that the garlands have suddenly failed? », notes a cafe owner. It is also misunderstanding for a local resident: " I went for the walk with my grandson and he too noticed that the illuminations were missing. He asked me the question. It unbalances the whole thing. It's a shame because the aisle decorations are particularly successful this year ".
"With an envelope of €700,000, the City cannot decorate the whole city"
Deputy Mayor in charge of the file, Jean-Baptiste de Scorraille explains this embarrassing situation : " First of all, let's remember that the City has chosen to decorate and illuminate all the penetrating arteries, the center -city and neighborhood cores. A way to give Toulouse a maximum of illuminations and a festive atmosphere. Regarding the shadow zone problems observed on certain streets, they are linked to different reasons. In Jean-Jaurès, the cause is technical. Part of the lampposts on the Wilson side, supposed to carry the light decorations, is not sufficiently resistant, believes the chosen one. Our services are working on it to resolve the situation and make them effective for the next Christmas. As for rue de la Concorde, merchants must understand that they are authorized to put their hands in their pockets for Christmas decorations and that the City, cannot, with an envelope of €700,000, cover everything. We favored a section : that of the Clémence Isaure fountain, in particular with a luminous Christmas tree ”.
A palette of decorations and animations
As every year, the city of Toulouse has adorned itself with festive illuminations and decorations all over the neighborhoods. An envelope taken 100% by the City. Under the theme of Enchanted Christmas throughout the city, we detail: 16.5 km of garlands, 553,000 LEDs, 450 motifs, six giant fir trees, 79 cone fir trees, 200 decorations 600 hours of lighting. These illuminations continue until December 31. At the same time, in Square Charles de Gaulle, young and old can discover the Enchanted Christmas, until December 31, with Santa Claus studio, carousel, etc. And stroll until December 26, place du Capitole in the alleys of the Christmas Village, to discover the 120 chalets: 27 for food, 11 for clothing, 10 crafts from around the world, 23 for decoration, 10 for jewellery. Until December 19, the Jules Guesde alleys also host the artisanal and solidarity Christmas market.
