Mercat de Mercats – The Mother of Markets

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I’d been wanting to go to the Mercat de Mercats ever since its first event four years ago. I kept missing this feast for the eyes and stomach. This annual food fair features local vendors and restaurants who give visitors a taste of Catalan cuisine. Attendees could also check out some cooking workshops from famed local chefs.

Luckily I was on schedule this time and was able to catch this weekend gastronomic event, set in the plaza of the Barcelona Cathedral in Ciutat Vella.

We got there at 4pm, knowing that it would get very crowded very fast. Not a bad backdrop to eating some Catalan food and getting toasted, no?

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You can’t deny the ever-present embutidos (sausages) lurking at every corner.IMG_0518 We got hanging meat, rolled up meat, reclining meat…IMG_0523

… and sliced meat on a stick! Never seen that before!

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A nibble here, a nibble there. It all seems so innocent after hitting up 27 vendors. Hope everyone brought their fat pants!

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This vendor brought some seafood to the event. Any tourists want to ice pack some dorada or lubina to take home?IMG_0526 Pintxos are always so inviting. Look at them with their sticks hanging out, looking delicious, so you could easily snatch it up and pop ’em in your mouth. Devious.
IMG_0530 There was a lively drumming band making its way through the crowd. People couldn’t help but eat and move their hips at the same time.IMG_0582I love this kid in the corner. Boom-boom-boom-BOOM!!

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If someone forced me to be in this band, I would be this woman. I am pretty introverted, but I try to make the best of every situation. She was ROCKING OUT!!

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Crazy iPhone-wielding mobs trying to Instagram the band.

IMG_0550The usual Barcelona masses = hordes of people trying to have fun in this already overcrowded city.

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What can I say, I’m one of them. We loco!


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About the Author Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

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2 comments
Rafael says December 10, 2013

Los Caga-Tiós están muy graciosos. Un post excelente de esta pintoresca tradición navideña.

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Rafael says December 10, 2013

Precioso Mercat de Mercats. Se respira el ambiente y la cultura propia del Mediterráneo. Catalonian way of life?

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