BRAGA – Braga Business Association predicts a 25% drop in Holy Week due to bad weather

The Braga Business Association (AEB) fears a 25% drop in revenue raised during Holy Week in relation to initial expectations, which pointed to a record economic return of 14 million euros, due to bad weather.

“We can have Holy Week with less impact than in the last seven years”, admitted to JN the general director of AEB, Rui Marques, reporting a different reality from that which had been projected.

“Weather conditions are fundamental to the success of these events”, highlighted the person in charge.

According to Rui Marques, in addition to a decrease in demand in hotels and restaurants in the city, street commerce “will also be greatly affected”. “Much of the consumption that usually takes place in these spaces ends up transferred to large distribution and shopping centers, where the convenience conditions are different”, he pointed out.

Still, according to the Mayor of Braga, Ricardo Rio, the average occupancy rate in the city’s accommodation is around 85%. A 10% decrease compared to the previous year.

So far, bad weather has forced the cancellation of the Burrinha and Ecce Homo processions, which were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday night. The last procession, the Burial of the Lord, is scheduled for 9:30 pm this Friday, but its completion will depend on the evolution of the weather situation.