If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona in May, the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona is one of the most important activities this month. It’s a traditional event that transforms the city into a festival of aromas, flavours, and colours, creating a unique experience for both locals and tourists.
Who was San Ponç?
San Ponç, also known as San Ponce, is the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers. Most legends say that, in the 3rd century, he fled Roman persecution and arrived in Barcelona. From that moment, he helped cure the sick using his extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs.
Every year, the city celebrates his legacy and contributions with a fair where plants and natural products take centre stage.
Where and when is it celebrated?
The San Ponç Fair in Barcelona takes place on 11 May on Carrer de l’Hospital, located in the famous neighbourhood of El Raval. We’d like to highlight that its hours are approximately from 09:00 to 21:00.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience Barcelona differently, as well as to purchase all kinds of artisanal and natural products.
What can you find at the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona?
There are approximately 80 stalls at the fair, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes to stroll around in total comfort.
We also suggest you leave your backpack or suitcase at our lockers in Barcelona, or even your purchases after visiting the fair. We are located in Sagrada Familia and Sants.
Take advantage by leaving your backpack, visiting the Sagrada Familia, and finally heading to the fair.
Medicinal and aromatic herbs
Herbs (chamomile, lavender, rosemary, mint, etc.) are the main products at the fair in honour of San Ponç. Most herbs have therapeutic properties rooted in tradition. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to buy natural ingredients and learn about their traditional uses.
At LOCK & enjoy!, we recommend asking for advice from the stallholders, as they have extensive knowledge about the herbs and plants they sell.
Honey
Honey is another star of the event. Most stalls offer a wide variety of honeys, allowing you to buy all the types you like and even taste them beforehand to decide.
Additionally, there are other bee-related products, such as royal jelly or beeswax.
If you’re looking for unique gifts for family or your partner, visit any stall and purchase natural honey.
Candied fruits and jams
Stalls selling candied fruits and jams are especially attractive to visitors, particularly children.
There are all kinds of jams, from classic natural flavours (strawberry, apricot, etc.) to countless special combinations, such as fig with walnuts or orange with ginger.
Cheeses and cured meats
Are you a cheese lover? If so, the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona is a must-visit for you. There’s something for every taste: goat, sheep, cow, etc. All are made using traditional and artisanal methods.
At the same stalls, you’ll also find a great selection of artisanal cured meats, typical of Catalonia, especially from rural areas.
Traditional sweets and candies
Those with a sweet tooth also have their place at this fair, both for buying sweets and sampling traditional Catalan delicacies (panellets, nougats, artisanal sweets, etc.).
Complementary activities
The fair also organises other types of activities worth mentioning for their traditional and cultural focus:
- Decorating the saint’s image. On the night before, specifically 10 May, the image of San Ponç is decorated. The aim is to prepare the saint’s figure for the mass and procession celebrated on the same day as the fair. Herbs and flowers are used in this decoration, also in honour of the patron saint.
- On 11 May, a procession takes place where herbs brought by visitors are blessed. It’s a way of emotionally connecting the past with the present.
- Workshops and talks. In previous editions, various meetings and talks have been organised on topics such as responsible consumption or the environmental impact of daily activities. Their goal is to promote fairer and more environmentally respectful alternatives.
Tips to fully enjoy it
The San Ponç Fair is one of Barcelona’s most deeply-rooted traditional events and therefore attracts many visitors. Thus, we advise attending as early as possible, as the fair becomes crowded around midday.
Also, bring some cash, as not all product stalls accept credit cards.
Besides footwear, it’s essential to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to walk around easily. Most activities at the fair are done standing, highlighting the importance of comfort.
Enjoy the San Ponç Fair in Barcelona! At LOCK & enjoy! we also encourage you to take part in the many tourist activities in Barcelona, so you can continue discovering the city.
Sevilla