Going Big Not Going Home!

We were recently interviewed by the council about our Flea, that has had a lot of favourable attention this month.

They've posted an article in English, professionally pasted below, and we did a video interview in Catalan, which is why I sound like I am speaking in slow motion.

Natàlia and Mark are a couple living in the heart of the Raval neighbourhood with a fascination for fashion and collecting vintage items. It’s all the same to them, so long as it has a retro look, is well preserved and can sparkle as new. In fact, this fascination of theirs gave rise to an idea that has been establishing itself as a successful initiative ever since 2007, with the number of participants and visitors growing year after year.

The Barcelona Flea Market takes its inspiration from the typical markets of European cities like London and Berlin, which often start as a popular initiative and, in most cases, turn into a success. These second-hand markets exude a Bohemian ambience. You can find everything, from the most eccentric clothes to books and records, along with other second-hand items. Everything goes when it comes to buying, selling or swapping at the numerous stalls run by the city residents who knock on Natàlia and Mark’s door, asking for a place at the Flea Market. Since it began in 2007, the market has adapted itself to various locations and sites, although on the last three occasions it has been held at the Espai Jove (Youth Centre) in the Eixample, at Carrer d’Alí Bei, 120. And that’s where it is being held on 9 April this year.

For those of you interested in using municipal spaces, Natàlia is encouraging everyone to join in: “If you’re original and suggest something that’s not been done before, you’re bound to be accepted straight away and given a hand to carry out your project. Any civic or youth centre etc., that you go to on behalf of an association will usually receive you in open arms, and all more so when you plan an activity for them that many people can benefit from. All you have to do is produce a legal document, such as the association’s tax ID number, and explain what you’re doing”.

http://w1.bcn.cat/barcelonablog/barcelonapeople-en/a-talk-to-the-organizers-of-the-flea-market-barcelona?lang=en

Mercat De Segona Mà: El Prat

You might recognise the name of this satellite town if you've ever flown to Barcelona, which is also interesting for us because the local council organise a monthly second-hand market in the middle of the town which is free to take part in.

Being the first Sunday of the month, we woke up with just enough time to get down there and see the end of the afternoon (the market starts at 11 and goes on til 14h). The Renfe is probably the best way to get there, it's about four blocks south of the station 'El Prat de Llobregat'.

There were about 100 stalls, all types of people involved, and the prices were all really quite cheap.

Along with all this jumble, there was a bike rental stall & they were selling tickets to an Artichoke & Jazz festival! I know.

There's nothing like this in central Barcelona, but we have been in touch with the organisers to see if they can give us some ideas/contacts/support to make our Flea more accessible.

Their blog is here, in case you need to know owt else.

Peace!

APRIL'S FLEAS

We are almost full just one hour after sending the information. Woooooow!
Here there's the poster of the next flea in Barcelona. The next one will be the 30th of april again, but shhhht! It's a secret!

Future Fleas!

New Flea Generations!

I found these three friends yesterday by the Santa Caterina Market, Barcelona.

They had a tiny and lonesome stall and they were selling the books they had already read for veeeery reasonable prices. I couldn't resist and asked them if i could take a picture of them for this blog, then we had a bit of fun all together, and my mum, who i didn't mention, but was also with me, bought the Little Red Cap book for her future granddaughter.

This encounter made me think about how new generations are being more and more familiarized with Flea Markets. It definitely made my day!

This month's quirky poster was designed by Stephen Rothschild. Stephen is established Irish Artist who has had a number solo and group shows exhibitions here and abroad. He is also great fun fun and a regular at the Dublin Flea Market. His work which has evolved over the years from figurative to abstract painting and collage is pretty amazing!

His Flea poster comprises manipulated photographs of various objects he bought at Flea Markets around the world. If you would like to contact Stephen his email is rothsch@hotmail.com

FLEABAGS!!!

Dear Flea Fans, we don't like using plastic bags anymore, that's why we've decided to start promoting the use of cotton bags whenever you come to our market. We are proud to present our two samples we've recently printed with our new cool logo. It's a limited edition at the moment, so you better run if you want to be one of the first owners! We are sure they will be a MUST next summer for only 5€ and a bit help for the planet! Find them at the Aprils' Markets or send us an email if you want us to reserve you one.

MORE PEACE, LESS PLASTIC!

the new flea bags have been manufactured using renewable green energy from wind and solar power by http://www.earthpositive.se/

and printed in: http://shop.yearofthread.com/

Barceloneses!

What a blog! Barna hipsters in full effect, plus you know they've been down the Flea Market too...