Fira Mercat Modernista, Canet de Mar

The Fira Mercat Modernista, Canet de Mar is cultural-heritage festival that celebrates Catalan Modernism  particularly highlighting the architectural heritage of Canet de Mar, including the works of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, among others.  The fair transforms the historic centre of Canet de Mar into a kind of living time capsule: streets are decorated, people dress in period dress, there are artisans, craft stalls, theatrical performances, exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, musical performances, etc. It is held throughout the town centre of Canet de Mar. Some specific events include guided heritage tours, stalls around the streets, historic buildings open for visits, etc.

• Guided Tours / Architectural Visits: You get to visit Modernist landmarks in Canet, see interior or exteriors of buildings, learn history about the architecture, Domènech i Montaner’s works (e.g. Casa Museu Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Roura, Ateneu Canetenc, the Castle of Santa Florentina, etc.).

• Artisan Market: Crafts, stalls, traditional trades, typical modernista decorative arts, sometimes handmade goods, etc.

• Theatrical / Cultural Re-enactments: People dress up in period costumes, there are theatrical scenes or dramatizations, parades (cercaviles), music, performances, etc.

• Workshops and Children’s Activities: Family-friendly elements, workshops, exhibitions aimed at all ages.

The aim is to promote cultural tourism for Canet de Mar, by highlighting its modernist heritage and increasing its profile as a destination of interest and to engage the local community: associations, citizens, shopkeepers take part, decorate, dress up, etc. It’s not just for tourists, it’s partly about local identity and heritage.