Flea Markets, the new areas of exchange in Barcelona

A new concept of trail has appeared in recent years in Barcelona. Itinerant and ephemeral different markets, where people buy and exchange second-hand things, brimming different places, streets or other places in the city; transforming them into a kind of modern lively souks. If just over 10 years ago to find second-hand objects we had to go to the Encants or to the books market of Sant Antoni, the traditional trails of the city, today we can find a market in any square or street that born spontaneously.

Several factors could explain this phenomenon of proliferation of the flea markets. Among them is the current economic situation that favors the recovery of barter, more sustainable ways of living and more critical with the excesses of consumption. On the other hand, we do not forget also the growing interest in vintage objects, in which we project a kind of nostalgia and idealization of the past. But even though the most of the products traded are ancient, these places are full of youth, concerts and other activities organized at the same time. We will review some of them.

Foto: Alba García Aguado

Flea Market BCN

The Flea Market in Barcelona is a monthly market where people sell and swap a host of second hand products, clothing, accessories, books, music, among many other things in good condition and reasonably priced. It happens every second Sunday of the month in Plaza Blanquerna behind the Maritime Museum and close to the subway Drassanes. Besides selling or exchanging products, giving a longer life to the objects, it is a place where you have a good time.

www.fleamarketbcn.com/

On The Garage

Under the philosophy of "reuse is the best way to recycle", On The Garage is another of those new places of exchange of Barcelona that shaping a new way to socialize, enjoy and have fun recycling. You can find everything in this market, which occasionally occurs in space Megataverna Ovella Black of Poble Nou. Like books, magazines, toys, clothes, technology, appliances, collector's items, furniture, rarities and an endless list of objects.

www.twomarket.es

Foto: Oh-Barcelona.com

Lost&Found Market

Lost & Found Market is a itinerant market thrift born to create a sustainable space-based trading and direct sales purchase and exchange. At the same time this souk, which is usually located in some places of Barceloneta, has a playful, interactive and popular look. Anyone can participate in this huge outdoor showcase providing books, clothing, music, comics, computer, toys, ideas, knowledge and many other forgotten treasures. Stay tuned to their website to find your next date.

lostfoundmarket.com/

Demanoenmano

Demanoenmano is a monthly market held at different venues in Barcelona, including the CCCB, Barcelona University, the Convent de Sant Agustí or Estación de Francia. Besides presenting thrift and vintage, in this modern souk we can find new creations of artists and artisans of all disciplines (designers, painters, photographers, sculptors, illustrators...). It is also open to the introduction of new activities, entities or services. They are usually two-day of the weekend, with different exhibitors and programming for each day of the event. A true party that lasts all day with different shows, building workshops and concerts.

www.demanoenmano.org/

Foto: Angie Bolea

Vintage Fest

The famous Vintage Fest takes place the first Sunday of the month in the yard of Mercantic, a unique space dedicated to the buying and selling antiques, located in Sant Cugat del Vallés, near of Barcelona. In these markets you can purchase antique items (from the eviction of houses, shops and factories) like an antiquary. In the same square every Sunday there are also a market. Until three in the afternoon, several merchants open their doors of wooden tents exposing its objects, there are other sellers who unload their gender filling the space with antiques.

www.mercantic.com

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Foto de portada: profpjay, Marina Flea Market

MH Apartments www.mhapartments.com