In a small Spanish village two hours north of Barcelona, a small theater decided to take on the big economic crisis in its own small way. They called it the "carrot rebellion".
In rebuke of the government's new tax increase for theater tickets (amongst the many tax increases) which raised the tax from 8% to 21%, this theater decided to sell carrots in lieu of tickets. Carrots, considered a staple item, are only taxed at 4%.
Imagine a sight of people, each holding a carrot, lined up to see the show, casting a hopeful light on the future economy? Now, it's true I have an affinity for carrots. They symbolize rooted values. They add raw color and shape. They give you good eyesight. What better ticket to see the world with? Some critics of the movement called it tax evasion. I call it clever and resourceful. Quim Marce, owner of the theater in Bescano, Spain, calls it a "way to survive". Bescano's theater's new motto is For the Health of Our Culture. The shows must go on!
Tickets can be purchased for 15 euros (17 USD) at the door.
And as another "carrot" aside, our friend and farmer, Frank, says, in response to all of the local town's new construction of farmlands, "They're sure as hell not growing carrots and beets"!
We need carrots, my friends. Purchase yours now!
:)Bess
