Throughout our years of guiding people through the beautiful cities of Spain one of the principle attractions, for both Spanish people and visitors, has been the markets, both open-air and enclosed. Perhaps, unconsciously, behind this seemingly simple concept of buying/selling local products there is something more? An unending number of stories await us at the doors of these places, waiting for you to discover them for yourself. When a person visits the Boqueria Market for the first time, the overwhelming sensation is almost always the same: fascination. This is, after all, one of the most storied and emblematic markets in all of Spain.
Just like any old market, the Boqueria began as an open air market in the middle of the street. The current version was born along what is now the most-famous street in Barcelona, La Rambla. Around 1830 the traders moved to its current location. The migration was gradual, making it difficult to name the exact year of its inception. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that the market was around a hundred years before La Rambla.
The market’s entrance tells us a lot about the history of the market. Hanging over the entrance is the full name of the market: “St Josep. La Boqueria.” The first part tells us that the current location of the market was, centuries ago, a convent. Specifically the convent of St. Josep. The second part, “La Boqueria” means butcher’s or meat-cutting table.
There are many stories surrounding the market, and the anectdotes and legends have, with the passing of time, become as much a part of the market as the colorful stalls and lively atmosphere.
Discover the Boqueria with The Spanish Touch for a glimpse into this fascinating world.
We can also recommend “The Boqueria Market. The Most Typical Market of Catalonia”, by Isabel Obiols y Pere Ferrer.
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