BCN Witch Market: The most magical event of the year.
Dear reader, I don't know from which country, world or enchanted forest you are reading me, but I live in Spain, more specifically in Catalonia, and I don't know what it's like where you are from, but here there are very few themed events as magical as the one I'm going to tell you about today.
Witch Market is an event held every year at the end of November in the beautiful University of Barcelona, one of the city's most stunning historic buildings. The idea is for attendees to feel like they're at Hogwarts, and the truth is, with that location and the organizers' great effort in decorating, it completely succeeds.
Interior area of Artist Halley.
A part of the gardens where themed activities take place.
Conference room where talks and shows are held.
The first events were specifically focused on Harry Potter and his entire magical world; in fact, it started out being called “Pottercon.” But over time, the theme has expanded to encompass a broader universe of fantasy, witches, and books. Even so, the spark of J.K. Rowling’s world remains alive each year: the halls are filled with the clatter of wands, the rustling of capes, and a palpable sense of shared nostalgia.
But… what makes the Witch Market so special?
Witch Market is not just a market in a beautiful location: it's an experience .
From the moment you step through its doors, you feel the everyday world fade away. The columns, the gardens, the stained-glass windows… everything creates an atmosphere that envelops you and reminds you that magic exists, that it's closer than we think.
The event brings together:
🪄 Artisans and artists who work with their hearts
All the artists you'll find in this magical market have gone through a selection process. This guarantees that you'll only see rare treasures, unique gadgets, and enchanted creatures of the highest quality —hard to find elsewhere—in true Diagon Alley style.
🧙 Activities, contests and workshops
Role-playing games, workshops to create your own familiar animal, literary talks, mini “potion” classes, games, contests… and actors who walk around the premises interacting with visitors.
Everything is designed so that, for a few hours, you live inside a book.
🎁 Charity raffle
Each year, all the artists donate two of their creations for a live raffle among those who have purchased tickets for the magic raffle.
There are many prizes and all the money raised goes to a good cause : wildlife shelters, protection of species like the wolf, or help for those affected by disasters like the DANA storm in Valencia.
For many of us —artists, readers, dreamers— the Witch Market has become a small tradition: a reason that makes us prepare two months in advance to finally meet again at the gates of the University of Barcelona and experience the most magical event of the year.
I'm lucky enough to be one of the artists and artisans who exhibit their creations at this very special market. I've participated for several years now with my shop , Asterian Creations , always accompanied by my mother, who helps me with absolutely everything (thank you, Mom!).
And believe me: I have many anecdotes, opinions, and interesting facts that I want to share with you.
Very soon I will upload a video sharing my experience from the inside: how I experience it as an artist, what it feels like to set up the stand, what happens behind the scenes and what the magic of the event is like when you see it from the other side of the table.
If you're curious, subscribe so you don't miss anything.
https://www.youtube.com/@asterian_creations/
Thanks for reading and see you on the next adventure!
