Cultural heritage, leisure and citizenship: A case study of La Boqueria food market in Barcelona (Spain)
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Issue Date
2016-12
Authors
Crespi-Vallbona, Montserrat
Domínguez Pérez, Marta
License
Subject
Abstract
In Barcelona, la Boqueria is the most well-known food market. In its neighbourhood, the market provides the main groceries to the local community. Relevant restaurateurs also visit the market to supply their kitchens. And finally it is one of the most famous attractions in the city among tourists. It is designated as a highly recommended attraction at different websites, tourist guides, blogs, ... and therefore is considered as interesting resource for those who like spending time on culture, gastronomy and leisure, both local residents and tourists. Therefore, the current tourism trend "Behave as a local" shares its popularity with another one addressed to residents: "Behave as a tourist." Behaving as a local, tourists can be involved in the real way of life of the inhabitants of the destination; therefore, walking through the food markets halls, observing the display windows, watching and tasting the traditional food, talking with the sellers... In that sense, tourists have a more authentic and pleasant local experience. On the other hand, when behaving as a tourist, residents can enjoy their city and food markets as visitors, paying attention to the most highlighted aspects and taking pleasure with the planned cultural and leisure activities. These kinds of behaviours represent a new governance goal in order to ensure coexistence between citizens and visitors. Therefore, food markets need a new sustainable management proposal focused on the cultural and leisure invigoration. La Boqueria food market is an illustrative case and starting point to define a system of sustainable (in the sense of compatible) gastronomic, cultural and leisure activities for both regular user groups.