"We live next door, so we had been told they were going to set it up on the first Sunday of every month, and honestly, it's been great because there are loads of people," Ángel says. What has caught his attention most is precisely the atmosphere in the square: "We hadn't seen this many people in this square for a very long time." For this local resident, bringing activity back to the area is good news for those who live nearby.
He also acknowledges that they often make these kinds of plans with Slinky. The dog has a lot of energy and they usually look for other places to walk, but this time the market's proximity was enough to encourage them to go. "Having it next to home, we took advantage of it and let him enjoy it too," he explains as they walk among the market stalls, where pets have their own area with products, accessories and items related to their care and well-being.
A DIFFERENT SUNDAY FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD
He was not the only person surprised by the transformation of the space. Three women walking through the area came across the market practically by chance and admitted they did not know it was taking place. "I think all the initiatives there are, showcasing everything Zaragoza has to offer, are wonderful," one of them said. Another of the women pointed out that the square "is very good" and that it is a good idea to "give it a purpose."
Ángel, from Floristería Jardinería, at his El Jardín del Gancho stall | Photo: Aragón Press
The response has also been positive among traders. Ángel, one of the participating florists and gardeners, says the market was going "very well," with many people and buyers interested in his products. His stall, Floristería Jardinería, is one of the ten participating florists, all members of the Association of Florists of Aragón, sharing the space with exhibitors offering food, accessories and animal welfare products.
The initiative will return to José María Forqué Square on October 4 and November 8, as part of its schedule of one Sunday per month. The city's objective is for the market to help maintain activity and turn this area of El Gancho into a regular meeting point for local residents and people from other parts of Zaragoza.
