Saleres, AndaluciaThe village above is typical of small villages all over southern Europe. 40 years ago it had a population of about 700 people. 20 years ago that population had shrunk to 400 and today the population stands at about 250, and shrinking.
The reasons, as far as I can see, is that young people want (amongst other things), careers and move to cities. The villages are populated by older people, there are very few young families.
There are advantages and disadvantages to a shrinking population. For someone like me who was born and lived in large cities, empty villages are great. However, one of the disadvantages of a small population is that it can't support things that most people consider essential for normal living.
My village, not far from Saleres, has a population of about 350 people and seems to maintain this level. It has 2 small shops, 1 bank, 1 bakery, 2 bars/restaurants. There's a small community and health centre and a very big church.
It seems that 300 people is the required minimum for a shop to break even in a village.
Saleres, with its smaller population of 250 doesn't have any shops. It used to have a very small bar until a few years ago, but now there are no community facilities except for another big church.
The majority of people in these villages don't have cars, so how do they buy food?
Thankfully, we have a thriving delivery service. I lay in bed last night thinking of the vans that service our villages each day. It was a bit like counting sheep and I dropped off dreaming of buying eggs.
Fish delivery by motorbike
Fish delivery by van
The baker
Egg delivery
The reasons, as far as I can see, is that young people want (amongst other things), careers and move to cities. The villages are populated by older people, there are very few young families.
There are advantages and disadvantages to a shrinking population. For someone like me who was born and lived in large cities, empty villages are great. However, one of the disadvantages of a small population is that it can't support things that most people consider essential for normal living.
My village, not far from Saleres, has a population of about 350 people and seems to maintain this level. It has 2 small shops, 1 bank, 1 bakery, 2 bars/restaurants. There's a small community and health centre and a very big church.
It seems that 300 people is the required minimum for a shop to break even in a village.
Saleres, with its smaller population of 250 doesn't have any shops. It used to have a very small bar until a few years ago, but now there are no community facilities except for another big church.
The majority of people in these villages don't have cars, so how do they buy food?
Thankfully, we have a thriving delivery service. I lay in bed last night thinking of the vans that service our villages each day. It was a bit like counting sheep and I dropped off dreaming of buying eggs.
Fish delivery by motorbike
Fish delivery by van
The baker
Egg deliveryA list of deliveries to the villages
- A general grocery van visits the village once a week
- The knife grinder appears about every 3 months
- A man who repairs cane chairs turns up every year (I missed him last year)
- All the villages have a market one day a week. These sell clothes, cutlery, cups, glasses, crockery etc.
- 4 bakers deliver bread and cakes each day, except Sunday
- 2 fishmongers deliver fresh fish every day, except Sunday and Monday
- Fruit and vegetables delivered 3 times a week
- Cheese and cooked meats once a week
- Home produced wine is delivered on Sunday
- Beer is delivered in a crate to your door once a week
- Eggs are delivered once a week.
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wow, this is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting...love the first photo in this series.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting post. Because I'm such a homebody (reading, writing, sewing, painting, etc.), I think I would be very happy in a small village. As long as it had a cafe/bar and a general store like yours does. What will happen to these villages? They must be lovely places. . .
ReplyDelete