Atmosphere at the market in SAINT-DENIS

The “marché du monde” (world market) is located in the place Jean Jaurés, in SAINT-DENIS opposite the Basilica. This Sunday, 12 July, date of the World Cup final between FRANCE and BRAZIL, the market is particularly busy. The streets are closed and the city centre blocked off. “The whole city seems to be united, Dionysians (inhabitants of SAINT-DENIS) are everywhere, I’ve already met half of the residents of the Francs Moisins district. “The shops have stayed open for the sales, the Mass in the Basilica will draw a lot of people who will then take the time to take a stroll round the market.”

An unusual atmosphere can be seen in the indoor market. The stall holders have been dressing up: “since the start of the World Cup we’ve worn red, white and blue to show our support for the FRANCE team, and today we’ve gone all the way.” José, who has a vegetable stall, is wearing the number 10 shirt, the same worn by his idol ZIDANE, and states confidently : “I’m positive that he’s going to score two goals tonight.” He now uses a trumpet instead of his usual banter to attract the customers’ attention. Every purchase provides an excuse to speculate on who is going to win “the final of the century.” The most patriotic are said to be ready “to declare war on BRAZIL” in the event of FRANCE losing. For Jeanine, selling t-shirts, “it’s the end of a great festival, but from Tuesday, I’ll be able to use the money I’ve made during the World Cup to head to the beach.”