From a few stalls on the Grote Markt to the largest Christmas market in the country. Ed Mense of the municipality of Haarlem has experienced the Haarlem ‘Christmas market evolution’ from the start. “Thirty years ago it was a few market vendors, now there are 350 stalls and we are the largest, yes, that does something.”
As if he were talking about the birth of a child, organizer of the Haarlem Christmas market Ed Mense is proud as a peacock when he walks past the still empty stalls.
“About thirty years ago I played Santa Claus in the Gravenzaal for the little children during the Christmas market and now there are 350 stalls. Really unbelievable,” said the municipal official.
Grow
In the long run, the Grote Markt was too small for the stalls, so they moved to the butter market, a little further on. But the size only really increased when Serious Request came to Haarlem in 2014. “The market became two days, although we were expanding during that period, but because of the 3 FM action it went quickly,” says Mense.
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The market master feels proud when he walks between the still empty stalls. From tomorrow it is estimated that three hundred thousand visitors will come here in three days. “The public interest we are getting is unbelievable. Countless tour operators have already registered. They come with buses from far and wide,” said the market manager.
Stop
Mens has already reached the retirement age of 65, but he is not thinking of stopping yet. “I should officially retire next year,” he says calmly. “But stopping is still the question.”
According to Mens, the whole organization of the market is such a big operation that he can’t really stop.
“The importance of the city center is so great that I hope – and think – that I can organize it for a few more years. I therefore consider it an honor and hope that I can do it for a few more years. Isn’t this wonderful .”