Every year, the traditional Christmas markets immerse young and old in the magical atmosphere of the end-of-year celebrations. In 2023, the oldest market in France will pay a touching tribute.
The end of year holidays are fast approaching, and it is generally by discovering the lights and decorations in the streets of the city that children and adults realize that it is almost Christmas. Moreover, an unmissable tradition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of the festival every year. The Christmas markets of Colmar, that of Kaysersberg in Alsace or the Strasbourg Christmas market (the oldest in France dating from 1570), are particularly renowned for their activities, their chalets, their trees, their artisanal Christmas decorations and culinary specialties.
But while previous years have been disrupted with Covid-related restrictions, this year should be marked by increased security. Following the recent attacks in France and Belgium, Elisabeth Borne has indeed announced that the Vigipirate posture has now risen to the “Attack Emergency” level. “The Christmas market will once again be placed under very high security this year” declared to France Bleu the prefect of Bas-Rhin, Josiane Chevalier, who specifies that it will be the same system as last year. Nearly 1,000 people will be assigned to the security of the Strasbourg Christmas market, who will carry out particularly random checks.
The Strasbourg market, which will be organized from November 24 to December 24, 2023, is also preparing to pay a touching tribute. Because this year marks the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attack which took place on December 11, 2018, near the oldest Christmas market in France, also called the Christkindelsmärik (the market of the child of Jesus). Five people were killed. The Strasbourg Christmas market will therefore celebrate a sad anniversary, while continuing to perpetrate the tradition, with more than 300 chalets.