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It was a long two days. I had two kids at home with crusty eyes and goopy snot coming out of their noses. I was the official booger wiper, mess cleaner, and at-home entertainer. This was Thursday and Friday, and I was getting some major mommy cabin fever.
When Saturday rolled around, my husband could finally stay home to watch the kids. Craving some fresh air and a creative pick-me-up, I headed to Festivalet, a two-day fair featuring modern and attractive handmade goods. Unlike the traditional Christmas fairs in Barcelona, the Festivalet showcases design-y wares for a hipster, crafty crowd.
There was something in particular I knew I could find there…so my husband sent me off with warm wishes. And I was gone like the wind!
The Festivalet was held at the Museu Marítim de Barcelona close to Las Ramblas. The museum itself is housed in Drassanes Reials, former royal shipyards in Port Vell. Its courtyard is quaint and welcoming. In the entryway, you can stick your face in this cutout and pretend you’re on a passenger steamship a la Titanic.
I was enamored with the cascade of the golden autumn leaves draping over the facade. (This Southern California native is reminded that other leaf colors exist outside of green.)
The Museu Marítim embodies 13-century Gothic architecture with its arches and soaring ceilings. Upon entering the event area, a sweet feeling of creative energy buzzed about the room.
A Few Awesome Finds
While I still appreciate traditional handmade local goods like the caga tió and the caganer, it was refreshing to see contemporary, stylish design. These porcelain spoons are hand painted with fine, feminine details.
Handmade means not mass-produced, and hopefully, exceptional craftsmanship — like this. A charming set of costume-themed porcelain plates and teacups by LaMalconttenta.
A pop-up studio. At just 8 euros, Bernat Solsona was offering hand-drawn illustrations in pen and colored pencil. How fun would it be to hire him for a party?
Finally, the reason for my Saturday morning escapade. Isn’t this the most delightful bunch of caga tiós? By Jaime Vicente.
