So, is there a way to maintain the special features of La Rambla in the face of its ‘Lloretisation’, as Alfred Bosch put it? Francina Ballester of ADDA suggested that the animal stands could stay open, but sell something else—for example, souvenirs—and Trias thought this could well be an option that the Ajuntament would support. But would such a move not just dilute the very essence of the Rambla, which paradoxically, is what keeps it of interest to visitors?
Such a concern is clearly at the forefront of many minds. Carles Martí, Ciutat Vella councillor, whose district includes the Rambla, spoke of creating a Rambla of convivencia, of coexistence. “It cannot simply become a tourist attraction, although we cannot ignore the interest that its singularity arouses,” he said. Ramon Lamazares said his Association looks to develop a balance between the past, present and future, protecting La Rambla and enhancing it at the same time. A fair proposition, but by no means an easy one to achieve.
At the time of going to print, negotiations were still underway between the Ajuntament’s Institut Municipal de Mercats and representatives of the ocellaires to reach a final decision about the fate of the stands. Although no information was available about the details of these talks, the Ajuntament’s Steven Guest said, “Having pets on show is not an option for these stands anymore. They are free to decide whether they carry on [selling something else] or not.”
Mónica Trias, however, seemed equally confident that she would be on the Rambla for a long time to come. “We'll win. I've heard things and I’m optimistic.”
Ramblas facts:
• From the 16th to 18th centuries, La Rambla was lined with convents and churches, giving rise to the religious names some parts of it still have (e.g. Sant Josep and Santa Mónica).
• If you drink from the fountain of Canaletes, legend says that you will stay in Barcelona, or return if you're a visitor.
• In the 15th century, there was a university at the upper end, which gives its name to the section Rambla dels Estudis.
• In the 19th century, the Rambla dels Flors was the only place in Barcelona where flowers were sold.
• The Rambla de Mar was created in 1994 and is the wooden passageway connecting to the Moll d'Espanya.
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