Two centenary businesses on Barcelona’s Avinguda de Gaudí, Forn Puiggròs and Farmàcia Pascal, continue to operate despite significant tourist pressure in the Sagrada Família district. These historic establishments represent a dwindling number of traditional shops in an area dominated by tourism.
Forn Puiggròs, an artisan bakery, first opened in 1922. It moved to Sagrada Família in 1935. Xavier Puiggròs, the third generation to run the bakery, acknowledges the challenges. He stated, as reported by betevé, “Traditional commerce still exists, we are here, we are holding on, but fewer and fewer of us remain.”
Farmàcia Pascal, a pharmacy, opened in 1926. This was four years before the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau was inaugurated nearby. Berta Magrinyà, representing the fourth generation of pharmacists in her family, expressed pride. She said, “It’s exciting, we are a whole lineage of pharmacists.”
The Sagrada Família district, a major tourist hub, sees high demand for visitor-oriented services. This often displaces traditional businesses serving local residents. Xavier Puiggròs recalled a time when the area featured many local shops. These included an olive shop, two butchers, a fishmonger, and a haberdashery. These businesses formed the fabric of community life.
Preserving History Through Art
To highlight these enduring stories, the Gaudí Shopping association launched the “Gaudim Gaudí” initiative. This project involves painting the histories of shops onto their shutters. Last year, the initiative decorated 10 shutters across four establishments. The designs feature animals inspired by Antoni Gaudí’s work. They also include narratives of the shops’ heritage.
Future of Traditional Commerce
The association plans to expand the Gaudim Gaudí project this year. They aim to include more businesses. This effort helps preserve the unique character of Avinguda de Gaudí. It also educates both Barcelona residents and international visitors about the area’s rich commercial past. The survival of these centenary shops demonstrates resilience amidst changing urban landscapes.
Initiatives like Gaudim Gaudí are crucial for maintaining the identity of Barcelona’s historic commercial areas. They ensure that the stories of long-standing family businesses continue to resonate. This project offers a model for other districts facing similar pressures from mass tourism.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
