The business, originally from Bethlehem (in central West Bank) and boasting 150 years of history, moved to the Catalan capital last October, fleeing the sharp drop in tourism caused by the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
“"It is impossible to run a normal business with such high rents in the Gòtic."
The shop, located at Carrer d’Escudellers, 56, employed about twenty artisans in Bethlehem who crafted figures, nativity scenes, and other olive wood items. The closure came as a surprise, as in mid-December the owner had expressed his wish to produce caganers figures for the next holiday season.
Mickel, now settled in Barcelona, does not rule out reopening if he finds an affordable rental in a good location, though he admits it is difficult. This closure adds to the continuous stream of historic businesses that have recently disappeared from the Gòtic, such as the stationery store Conesa or Casa Jornet.
