‘BCN Witch Market’ Festival

The heart of the Witch Market is its Mercado Mágico, where craftspeople and women creators display potions, fantasy jewellery, illustration, ritual objects, special editions and pieces that seem to have come from alternative universes. But the market is only the entry portal: behind it opens a weekend packed with programming.

In the Paraninfo, soundtrack concerts, panels on romantasy, dubbing, fantasy costumes and musical performances sit alongside charity raffles and meetings with national and international women authors. In the Aula Magna, speculative literature takes centre stage: narrative workshops, debates on queer representation, publishing presentations, interviews and live recordings of podcasts with legions of followers.

Claustro 2 becomes the Aula de los Menesteres, where cosplay has its own space among immersive workshops and performances. In the Jardín Central, renamed the Bosque Prohibido, there are Romantasy photocalls, gymkhanas, express weddings, surprise flash mobs and entertainment that appears where it is least expected.

The Patio Lateral hosts an oasis of children’s activities, board games, fantasy make-up and themed tents where every corner contains a nod to fans of the magical imaginary.

BCN Witch Market is a complete experience: a festival where fantasy is not observed, it is practised; where magic is not a set piece, but a way of being. A weekend for those who believe that imagination, when celebrated in community, is the most powerful spell.