The streets were full despite the cold drizzle and the fact that the thermometers were close to zero degrees. But the people were happy, euphoric, smiling, delivered to the enjoyment of the Christmas season. Tourists and locals toured, alcohol and food in hand, the recently opened Budapest Christmas Market.
I had seen something out there, but the one in Budapest was my first full-fledged “Christmas market”. Dozens of wooden booths filled a square in the center of the city, next to the Cathedral of Saint Stephen; very illuminated, colorful and decorated with Christmas motifs.
Star products on the Budapest market are mulled wine; the fruit punch, also hot and non-alcoholic; and the boiling chocolate. Infallible drinks to warm the body and soul on these dates. The typical Hungarian goulash, sausages in a thousand shapes and flavors, paprika chicken, langos and other delicacies complete the offer. There is never a shortage of roasted chestnuts either.
In addition to gastronomy, the markets offer all kinds of products for the occasion, such as garlands, colored lights, Santa Claus dolls of all sizes and weights, colored balls and tree decorations. Of course, toys too.
Another abundant supply is seasonal clothing: scarves, hats, gloves and sweaters; accompanied by accessories. Jewellery, bags and wallets. There are no big brands. Everything is locally produced and often 100% handmade. In some “timbiriches” the vendors make the merchandise in front of the customers.
They say Christmas is the best time of the year. I do not know; I do not have, like many of my compatriots, any attachment to a non-existent tradition for many years on our island. My grandmother yes, nostalgic for other times, she always talked to me about Christmas, about sweets and lights, about the illuminated advertisements on Galiano street.
Christmas markets arose in Europe, in the Middle Ages. In the distant thirteenth century, in Vienna, they were mounted in December for a couple of days so that the peasants could stock up before winter hit hard. The German cities of Dresden and Bautzen dispute the honor of having then held the first Christmas market as we know it today. Little by little, these temporary shops expanded the offer and became revelries associated with the most important date in Christianity: the birth of Jesus.
A couple of days ago I learned that they lit a Christmas tree in Havana, on Galiano street. I suppose my grandmother would have liked to see back at least a small part of the tradition that she missed so much. Hopefully Christmas returns to our island. Many will be excited. It will be a hot Christmas in which it will be impossible to bring down a hot wine; but we will be able to celebrate it Cuban-style, with rum and cold beer.
