Apart from being a street like no other, it has preserved its original character and it has been witness to many important events in the stormy history of Barcelona. Officially called La Rambla, it consists of several shorter streets, each having a proper name, hence the plural form - Las Ramblas in Spanish and Les Rambles in Catalan. One of the most interesting parts of this boulevard is La Rambla dels Ocells, or the 'Avenue of the Birds', which serves as a traditional site for a bird market. Another important area is Rambla de Sant Josep, also known as Rambla de les Flor, or 'Rambla of the Flowers', because in the 19th Century it was the only place in Barcelona where flowers were sold. Abundant with luxurious fashion shops, cafes and market stalls, Las Ramblas serves as a core of commerce, culture and nightlife in Barcelona. There are also several vendors displaying on the stalls their varied goods, from jewellery to antiques and kitschy gifts. When walking down Las Ramblas one can also enjoy various shows by local performers and mimes, who also contribute to the unique atmosphere of this street. As the famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca once said, "La Rambla is the only street in the world which I wish would never end."