Veera Kontula, Alex Scott Opinions on Tbilisi’s Christmas markets vary, with some praising them for fostering a joyous atmosphere and community spirit, while others express concerns about excessive spending and the need for fiscal responsibility, highlighting a nuanced perspective on the cultural and economic impact of these festive events.
"The money spent is kind of a good thing because people have fun and enjoy Christmas more. I think it is worth the money," said Dani when asked if the amount of money spent on Christmas by the government was a positive thing.
Sopo and Tina, two of a group of friends exploring the market contemplating the question, added, "That is a difficult question. I guess it is worth it in some countries, but maybe not in Georgia."
Her response reflected the nuanced perspectives on government expenditures during the festive season. Tina expressed her concern about excessive spending.
"We all love Christmas markets and decorations. We don’t always know how much is spent, but then we find out that they spent $2M 2 years ago. You can’t do that when people are struggling," she observed.
At the heart of the market, Howi and Paul, a father-son duo, shared their thoughts.
"It is good to have a time of year where everyone comes together for community and celebration. However, it depends on the budget and if they could spend the money on people in need. It's about balance, give and take," remarked Howi.
"Absolutely, yes! It is a great time of year, and it’s the time to spend money on this at this time of year." Paul echoed Howi's sentiments.
As the night fell, David, standing in front of the President's home, offered a straightforward perspective, "Yeah, why not? If they still spend money on people, why not?"
Mariame, dressed as an elf and working in the children's activity area, provided a unique insight. "The government pays a lot of money, and it's good, but I don’t know how much," she admitted, reflecting on the complexity of budget allocations.
Meanwhile, David, the owner of a place called Chaduna, expressed hope for the market's growth. "It is for Christmas mood and vibes, and it could be better like Prague, that would be really great. Maybe in the next week or two, it will be better, the closer we get to Christmas."
Amid the diverse opinions and vibrant festivities, Tbilisi's Christmas market became not just a place of celebration but also a reflection of the ongoing dialogue about the government's role in fostering holiday cheer.
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