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The skyline in central Manhattan seen from the Hudson River in the early morning in New York, November 26, 2019. REUTERS / Mike Se

In the United States, it is a very special Christmas market that has settled in the heart of the business district of Manhattan. For two and a half weeks, New Yorkers and tourists can discover Alsatian specialties such as "bredele", sauerkraut or decorations directly from Strasbourg.

With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

There are ginger, green anise and cloves. »At the gingerbread stand, the ingredients are explained in detail, all day long.

" They are very curious because the Alsatian gingerbread is not at all like that found in the United States, " said one of the vendors. Since it is true that the gingerbread that we will find in supermarkets during Christmas time, it is more with aroma than with real spices. "

On Wall Street, for a few days, the place of the famous bull has the air of Strasbourg Christmas. Thirty wooden chalets, directly from Alsace, offer visitors the opportunity to discover mulled wine, grilled chestnuts and other artisanal products.

It's a great tradition and I was delighted to know that the market was coming here, enthuses an American client. New York's Christmas markets have become purely commercial, it's very different. We find much more the spirit of Christmas here. "

But for New Yorkers used to pizza, the real attraction was undoubtedly the flambé pie. Flame… küeche, with a K? It is a kind of pie with bacon and crème fraîche. It is delicious. "

For those responsible for the Strasbourg region, the idea of ​​relocating the Christmas market aims to sell craft products, but above all to promote Alsace as a tourist destination.