Copyright euroweeklynews
Barcelona’s world-famous La Boqueria market – officially ‘Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria’ – is preparing for a major €12 million refurbishment aimed at bringing the beloved landmark back to its roots as a hub of local food, culture, and community. According to the Barcelona City Council, the renovation project will begin in summer 2026 and continue through 2027, with works carefully staged so the market can remain partially open, as it’s a huge touristic spot throughout the entire year. The upgrades will include a full modernisation of the fish hall, replacement of the ageing asbestos roof, and improvements to ventilation, bathrooms, and energy efficiency, including the installation of solar panels. Why the Change For years, La Boqueria has been one of Europe’s busiest food markets, attracting around 25 million visitors annually. Once the daily shopping spot for locals, it gradually transformed into a tourist magnet filled with juice stalls and takeaway counters. The city now hopes to rebalance the market’s offer and restore its traditional Catalan character. Under new stallholder rules, traders will be required to ensure that at least 40% of their products are fresh – a measure designed to prioritise local produce over pre-prepared snacks aimed solely at tourists. Who’s Behind It The plan was approved by the Institute of Markets of Barcelona (IMMB) and received overwhelming support from stallholders – with more than 90% voting in favour. The project also aligns with the ongoing regeneration of La Rambla and Plaça de la Gardunya, making the market’s redesign part of a broader push to improve the city centre’s livability. Balancing Tourism and Tradition Traders welcome the renovations but remain cautious about potential income losses during construction, of course. Even short-term closures could deter millions of visitors, impacting nearby businesses. Still, the phased approach aims to avoid full shutdowns, ensuring that locals and tourists alike can all continue to experience La Boqueria’s exciting atmosphere and culture. As the city prepares for this transformation, La Boqueria stands at a crossroads – balancing its role as a global culinary attraction with its identity as Barcelona’s local hotspot.
