Barcelona is getting ready to celebrate once again the Sant Ponç Fair, one of the oldest and most traditional fairs in Catalonia, dedicated to medicinal herbs and culinary essences.
This fair is held every May 11, 2023 in Hospital Street, in Ciutat Vella and is a tribute to the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers, Sant Ponç.
During this day, the street is the stage for the sale of a great variety of medicinal herbs, natural cosmetic products, candies and alternative medicine.
Also high quality artisanal foods such as honey, cheese, candied fruits, among others.
The medicinal herbs fair in Barcelona
The Sant Ponç Fair has a long history dating back to the 3rd century.
It begins when Sant Ponç, who was fleeing from his Roman persecutors, arrived in Barcelona and discovered the poverty and disease that plagued the city.
To help the sick, he prepared potions with medicinal herbs, which won him the admiration and respect of the people of Barcelona, who since then began to celebrate a fair in his honor.
For this reason, the fair is held every May 11.
During the celebration, various traditional events are held, such as the decoration of the image of the saint with herbs and flowers, the mass in his honor and the procession in his name.
The fair is an opportunity to rediscover the healing power of medicinal herbs, which for centuries have been used as natural remedies to treat various diseases.
In addition to natural cosmetics and alternative medicine products, visitors will also find a wide variety of herbs and medicinal plants.
Many of them have been used since time immemorial to cure ailments such as coughs, headaches, digestive problems, among others.
This fair is not only a tribute to the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers, but also a sample of the richness and cultural diversity of the city of Barcelona.
A fair for everyone
The fair is an opportunity to learn about the city’s ancestral traditions and the value given to natural medicine and artisanal gastronomy.
It is also an opportunity to support small local producers who offer high quality products and strive to keep this tradition alive.
It is important to note that the Sant Ponç Fair is not only an annual event for locals, but also attracts tourists from all over the world.
During this day, Hospital Street becomes a souk of aromas and flavors of natural and handmade products.
The Sant Ponç Fair is a sample of the cultural and gastronomic richness of the city of Barcelona.
