The end of August marks the end of summer vacation for many, but it also signals the return of everything that took a break over the summer, such as the Mercado de las Ranas in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras neighborhood.
After taking a break in July, this market—which shares the same spirit as others like London’s Camden Town or Portobello Road markets—now has dates set to bring its stalls back to the streets: September 5 and 19 (the first and third Saturdays of the month, as is customary).
The event, organized by the Barrio de las Letras Merchants’ Association, brings together artisans and merchants from a wide variety of fields at each new edition, including jewelry, fashion, accessories, illustration, natural cosmetics, and gastronomy.
The Mercado de las Ranas is open continuously from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and in addition to being able to stop by each stall and chat with the creators of the products on display, the area is full of restaurants and bars where you can stop for a snack or a meal to round out the day.
Where exactly is the Mercado de las Ranas held?
The market begins at 2 Huertas Street, extending to the corner with Príncipe Street, and continues along Huertas Street to the corner with León Street until it reaches the corner with Costanilla de las Trinitarias.
Why is this market called that?
The market’s name is tied to Madrid’s street names; before Lope de Vega Street in this neighborhood was given that name, it was known as Cantarranas Street.