BCN Witch Market: The most magical event of the year.
Dear reader, I don't know from which country, world, or enchanted forest you're reading this, but I live in Spain, 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 at the beautiful University of Barcelona, one of the city's most stunning old buildings. The idea is for attendees to feel like they are at Hogwarts, and honestly, with that location and the organization's great effort in decoration, they fully succeed.
Artist Halley interior area.
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 magical world; in fact, it started out being called “Pottercon”. But over time, the theme has broadened to a wider universe of fantasy, witches, and books. Even so, the spark of J.K. Rowling's world is still alive every year: in the corridors, you can hear wands clinking, cloaks rustling the floor, and a lot of shared nostalgia.
But… what makes Witch Market so special?
Witch Market isn't just a market in a pretty place: it's an experience.
From the moment you step through its doors, you feel like the everyday world is left behind. 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 find in this magical market have gone through a selection process. This ensures that you only see rare treasures, unique contraptions, and enchanted creatures of the highest quality, hard to find… in true Diagon Alley style.
🧙 Activities, contests, and workshops
Role-playing games, workshops to create your own familiar animal, literary talks, mini "potions" classes, games, contests… and actors who wander around the venue interacting with visitors.
Everything is designed so that, for a few hours, you live inside a book.
🎁 Charity raffle
Every year, all the artists donate two of their creations for a live raffle among those who have bought tickets for the magical drawing.
There are many prizes and all proceeds go to a good cause: wildlife shelters, protection of species like the wolf, or help for those affected by disasters like the DANA in Valencia.
For many of us—artists, readers, dreamers—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 am fortunate to be one of the artists and artisans who exhibit their creations at this very special market. I have participated for several years 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 curiosities that I want to tell you about.
Very soon, I will upload a video sharing my experience from within: how I live 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!