Lleida’s Cathedral Square hosted Mercat de les Idees on Saturday, 6 June, bringing together a dozen young local entrepreneurs and artisan makers in the city centre. The market gave them a direct way to sell handmade goods to the public.
Organised by Lleida City Council, the event featured jewellery, crochet work, creative sewing, paintings, candles and other artisan items. It was designed to show the range of creative work being produced by young people in the city.
The main aim of the market is to support entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 by giving them a dedicated place to present and sell their work. Xavi Blanco, the Councillor for Youth, Education and Employment, said the project connects the city’s creative and artisan ecosystem and helps to revitalise the Eix Comercial area.
Participants said the location helped them reach more people, because the square is in a busy part of Lleida. They added that events in well-used public spaces can make visitors more likely to stop and buy.
The initiative is intended to keep offering opportunities for new businesses while adding activity to Lleida’s commercial centre. For more local coverage, see our news page.