The over-the-top commercialism of Christmas in Ireland means our festive markets just don’t measure up to authentic European ones. So says travel expert and editor of Travel Extra, Eoghan Corry.
What’s the problem with our Christmas markets in Ireland?
“Oh, good morning, Shane. At the risk of sounding like Jim Carrey, a little bit of me dies every time I walk into what’s called a Christmas market,” Cur explains. “I don’t know how many we have. I think we’ve about 40 of them. They’ve lost their charm; they’re just another market, another extension of department store Christmas as we know it in this country.”
Some markets attempt to connect with the traditions of Christmas markets, particularly those from Eastern and Central Europe, where the tradition originated, but they bear little resemblance to what is found abroad.
“You have to go back to where it all came from. Every one of our Christmas traditions has a different origin, but the Christmas market one was really connected with the spice trade, bringing cinnamon and black pepper. It took a year to come back from China, and they would come to Eastern European towns around this time of the year, moving as far as Central Europe, with a heavy emphasis on spices, warm drinks like glühwein, and a high proportion of food stalls. There’s an unwritten tradition in some towns, particularly in Germany, that 60% of your stalls should be related to food and beverage, with the rest being artisan products, like Christmas toys crafted by local artisans.”
“It’s a very nostalgic element of Christmas traditions, bringing parents back to their childhood. Is it just too much task? Is the problem that a lot of stuff is made in China? A lot of people just see Christmas as a chance to make a quick profit.”
“Where is your favorite Christmas market in Europe before you go?”
“I love Salzburg, which would adhere to those regulations regarding the number of food and drink stalls. Heidelberg is sort of the grandfather of them; it’s very associated with previous generations. Remember the movie The Student Prince? And there’s a lovely one in Budapest in Vorosmarty Square, where the buildings are turned into an advent calendar. They bring out the band and the music, unveiling a window every night. It’s really great fun.”
“Okay, all right. Thank you,”
“Indeed, Eoghan Corry, travel commentator and editor of Air and Travel magazine. Thank you for talking to us.”
