Although rock music and dance festivals have the most visibility in the media this time of the year, there are plenty of other events of cultural importance happening throughout Spain during the summer, with a diverse offer that caters to different tastes and interests.
Photo by plucciola via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-SA
One of those events is the International Ceramic and Pottery Fair that will happen this July, on the weekend of 1 to 3 in the village of Argentona, in the province of Barcelona. Considered the most important market fair of Catalonia and Spain in its specialty, it is known not only for the quantity of participating artisans but most importantly for the quality of the work on display.
With an expected attendance of over 65.000 people, Argillà Argentona is open to anyone from artisans and collectors to curious individuals or families.
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Program
Hosted by Museu del Càntir, Argillà Argentona will feature over 70 expositors in a diverse variety of categories. You will be-be able to find traditional pottery, artistic ceramics, antiques and several stands where institutions, associations and enterprises will be showcasing their pieces.
Exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and competitions will take place over the 3 days from 10am to 10pm, with a pause from 2pm until 5pm. Countries confirmed to be represented so far include Catalonia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Malta, Poland, Holland, United Kingdom, Russia and Morocco. The French town of Aubagne, which hosts a twin Argillà fair, will be represented as a special guest, with 4 ceramist stands.
“La Trepitjada de fang”
“La Trepitjada de fang” is the traditional celebration of ceramic and pottery arts that will close the fair on Sunday. Its name can be translated as “The Trampling of Mud” and it features several children stepping on clay pieces and then playing and “bathing” in the resulting mud.
How to get there
Photo by angela7dreams via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC
The International Ceramic and Pottery Fair is hosted by Museu del Càntir in Argentona, with most of its activities taking place outdoors in Plaça d l’Església. Argentona is a village near Barcelona and getting there by car should take you around half-an-hour (or one hour if you choose public transportation).
If you’re looking to drive there, take the C32 tollway from Barcelona north towards Mataro, and then the Mataro exit number 13. From there take the C-60 north freeway and turn right at the first exit (the sign should say Argentona).
If you prefer public transportation, take the train from Barcelona to Mataro and then the bus from there to Argentona (there is a bus every half-hour from Monday to Saturday and every hour on Sundays).
That’s about it. We hope you enjoy a nice weekend of arts & crafts near Barcelona and take the opportunity to explore the beautiful village of Argentona. Please come back after the festival and use the comment box below to tell us all about your experience.
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