If you are wondering what to do in Barcelona in May, the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona is one of the most important activities of this month. It is a traditional event that transforms the city into a festival of aromas, flavors and colors, making it a unique experience for both locals and tourists.
Who was San Ponç?
San Ponç, also called San Ponce, is the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers. Most legends tell that, in the 3rd century, this character fled from the Roman persecution until he arrived in Barcelona. From that moment on, he helped heal the sick with his great knowledge of medicinal herbs.
Therefore, every year, the city celebrates its legacy and trajectory with a fair whose main products are plants and natural products.
Where and when is it held?
The Fair of San Ponç in Barcelona is celebrated on May 11 in Hospital Street, located in the famous Raval neighborhood. We would like to point out that the opening hours are from 09:00 to 21:00 hours approximately.
It is a great opportunity for you to get to know the city of Barcelona in a different way and, in addition, to buy all kinds of handmade and natural products.
What can you find at the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona?
There are approximately 80 stalls at the fair, therefore, we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes so that you can walk around in total tranquility and comfort.
In addition, we advise you to leave your backpack or suitcase in our lockers in Barcelona. Lockers in Barcelona, or your purchasesWe also recommend you to leave your backpack or suitcase in our lockers in Barcelona, or your purchases once you finish visiting the fair. We are located in Sagrada Familia and Sants.
Take the opportunity to leave your backpack, visit the Sagrada Familia and, finally, go to the fair.
Medicinal and aromatic herbs
Herbs (chamomile, lavender, rosemary, mint, etc.) are the main product of the fair in honor of San Ponç. The vast majority of herbs have therapeutic properties with a strong tradition. Therefore, it is the perfect place for you to buy natural ingredients and also to learn about their traditional uses.
At LOCK & enjoy! we advise you to get advice from the employees of the stalls, as they are characterized by their extensive knowledge of the herbs and plants they sell.
Honey
Honey is another of the protagonists of the event. The vast majority of stalls offer a wide range of honeys so that you can buy as many as you like, and you can even try them beforehand to make up your mind.
On the other hand, there are other types of bee products such as royal jelly or beeswax.
If you want to buy different gifts for your family or partner, go to one of the stalls and buy natural honey.
Candied fruits and jams
The candied fruit and jam stands are the most attractive for the vast majority of visitors, especially for the youngest ones.
There are all kinds of jams, from the classic natural ones (strawberry, apricot, etc.) to a myriad of more special combinations such as fig with nuts or orange with ginger.
Cheeses and sausages
Are you a cheese lover? If so, the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona is a must for you. There are cheeses for all tastes: goat, sheep, cow, etc.. All of them are made with traditional and artisanal techniques.
In the same cheese stands you can also find a wide assortment of handmade sausages, very typical of Catalonia, especially in rural areas.
Traditional sweets and candies
Those with a sweet tooth also have their place in this fair, both to buy sweets and to taste and purchase traditional sweets typical of Catalonia(panellets, nougat, handmade candies, etc.).
Complementary activities
The fair also organizes other types of activities that are worth explaining because of their traditional and cultural focus:
- Decoration of the image of the saint. On the night of the previous day, specifically on May 10, the image of San Ponce is decorated. The purpose is to prepare the figure of the saint for the mass and procession that is celebrated the same day of the fair. Herbs and flowers are used for this decoration, also in honor of the patron saint.
- Procession. On May 11 there is a procession in which the herbs brought by visitors are blessed. It is a way of connecting the past with the present in an emotional sense.
- Workshops and talks. In some previous editions, a series of meetings and talks have been organized on responsible consumption or the environmental impact of the actions we carry out on a daily basis. The aim is to promote fairer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Tips for maximum enjoyment
The San Ponç Fair is one of the most traditional events in Barcelona and, therefore, attracts a good number of attendees. Therefore, we advise you to go as early as possible, as the fair quickly fills up with people at midday.
On the other hand, also carry some cash, as not all product stands accept credit cards.
Apart from footwear, it is also essential to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to walk in total tranquility and comfort. The vast majority of activities at the fair are done standing up, hence the importance of being as comfortable as possible.
Enjoy the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona! At LOCK & enjoy! we also encourage you to take part in any of the tourist activities in Barcelona so you can continue to know the city in a different way.
