Christmas decorations: why are there black holes in some streets of Toulouse?
A petition is launched for the absence of decorations on part of the street, creating gray areas. On part of the alleys Jean-Jaurès, the grumbling is identical. The City recalls the € 700,000 envelope allocated to this theme.
Everyone will have noticed: after a rather gloomy Christmas 2020, Christmas 2021 in Toulouse takes on a more ecological character, more aesthetic also in these illuminations and decorations. More diversity and novelty give the city a festive character, enhanced with red and gold. Very followed by the Toulouse residents, the theme of Christmas can go as far as the request when discontent is felt. For example, rue de la Concorde, where several residents and traders reported the absence of garlands at the start of the street, leading to 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 decorations specific to street lamps, return every Christmas. This time, of the twelve in the street, only four, on the fountain side, are wearing decorations. The others, on the boulevard side, are ignored and sad. In other words, from the Decathlon brand to the Café de la Concorde, the illuminations are absent. An incomprehensible twilight at nightfall and a devaluation of trade ”.
Because obviously everyone will understand 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 a little forgotten in the city. A petition is also planned, ”continues this merchant rue de la Concorde. We have already had problems with the tree near the Clémence Isaure fountain, which was subject to ignition failures. Everything is now back to normal but it took time ”.
“The lack of decorations on certain areas of the ramblas, unbalances the whole”
Problem similar to Jean Jaurès: metro side, more garlands. The superb decorations of the ramblas come to an end, plunging this part of the aisles 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 coffee maker. It is also incomprehension for a local resident: “I took the walk with my grandson and he too found that the lights were missing. He asked me the question. This unbalances the whole. 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 us remember that the City has chosen to decorate and illuminate all the penetrating arteries, the city center and neighborhood hearts. One way to give Toulouse a maximum of illuminations and a festive atmosphere. Regarding the shadow area problems detected on some streets, they are related to different reasons. For Jean-Jaurès, the cause is technical. Part of the Wilson side streetlights, supposed to carry the light decorations, is not enough, believes the elected. Our services must work to resolve the situation and restore the workforce for the next Christmas.
As for the rue de la Concorde, traders 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, take care of everything. . We favored one section: that of the Clémence Isaure fountain, in particular with a luminous tree ”.
In the meantime, just walk through the many illuminated streets of the city to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas.
A range of decorations and animations
As every year, the city of Toulouse is adorned with illuminations and festive decorations all over the neighborhoods. A 100% price envelope by the City. Under the theme of Enchanted Christmas throughout the city, in detail: 16.5 km of garlands, 553,000 LEDs, 450 patterns, six giant trees, 79 cone trees, 200 decorations, 600 hours of lighting. These illuminations will continue until December 31. At the same time, Square Charles de Gaulle, young and old can discover the Enchanted Christmas, until December 31, with Santa’s studio, merry-go-round, etc. And stroll until December 26, Place du Capitole in the alleys of the Christmas Village, to discover the 120 chalets: 27 food, 11 clothing, 10 crafts from around the world, 23 decoration, 10 jewelry. Until December 19, the allées Jules Guesde also host the artisanal and solidarity Christmas market.