La Boqueria market seeks UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status

Barcelona's La Boqueria market, located just off La Rambla boulevard in the heart of the city's old town, has submitted a request to UNESCO to be recognized as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,' a distinction intended to guarantee its continuity as a historic market.

It has done so together with two other markets, San Lorenzo, in Florence in Italy, and Nishiki, in Kyoto in Japan.

The goal is to preserve the continuity of historic stalls, ensure the quality of fresh products, maintain a diet rooted in local traditions, safeguard a distinct gastronomy, protect the market's social function, uphold close and trust-based relationships with customers, and maintain its appeal for both local residents and visitors.

Spain's ambassador to UNESCO, Miquel Iceta, met with representatives of the three markets, along with other international officials.

The delegation formed by the three markets was received by the secretary for 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' of the organization, Fumiko Ohinata.

The high-level meeting is one of the final steps before UNESCO decides whether to accept the nomination.

"It may take two years, but the most important step, which is formally presenting our request to UNESCO, has already been taken," says Jordi Mas, president of La Boqueria.

All three markets are driving this pioneering initiative that they hope will be joined by more markets around the world.

The new nomination follows an initiative launched in 2024, when La Boqueria joined other historic markets in seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition, a status that has not yet been granted.