Kalaaliaraq Market

Kalaaliaraq Market (Danish: Brædtet) is a market in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland,^[1] located in the Old Nuuk neighborhood, approximately 150 m (490 ft) to the southeast of the Nuuk Cathedral. Its name means "The little Greenlander" in the Greenlandic language.^[2]

Social function

The market is noted for its fresh fish, as well as whale, reindeer and seal meat,^[2] sold directly by the tradesmen. It is an important place for social interaction for many inhabitants, an equivalent of the village pump in other places of the world.^[2] Although polar bears are a rarity in Nuup Kangerlua and the entire coastal region of southwestern Greenland, the final journey of the unlikely catch leads to the Kalaaliaraq market; a cause for celebration, and a social event.^[3][4] The municipality has constructed a new and modern building with coolers, freezers and much more, for the sale of caribou meat, musk ox, seal, whale, cod, salmon and much more wild life. This building is situated in the city center.

Hygiene

Stall at the Kalaaliaraq market

The standards of hygiene at the market are often low, a cause for concern for the municipal authorities.^[5] Unlike in Nuuk, in smaller towns such as Ilulissat, as well as in the village settlements, the seafood is sold in open stands without running water or electricity.^[6]

Coordinates: 64°10′43″N 51°44′33″W / 64.17861°N 51.74250°W

References

1. "Puussiat iluaqutaaqaat" (in Kalaallisut). Sermersooq municipality, Official Website. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
2. "Practical Information". Nuuk Tourism. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
3. "Isbjørn fanget ved Nuuk". Sermitsiaq (in Danish). 10 April 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
4. "Lars Mathæussen fangede en isbjørn". Sermitsiaq (in Danish). 14 April 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
5. "Uhygiejniske forhold på brædtet i Nuuk stoppes". Sermitsiaq (in Danish). 17 January 2007. Retrieved 14 July 2010.
6. "Resources and industry". Government of Greenland. Retrieved 14 July 2010.