Cieza monthly artesan market, Mercadillo de los Frailes

Cieza, Mercadillo de los Frailes (Monks market)

On the first Sunday of each month, from the months of October through to May there is a Mercadillo de los Frailes (Friars market) in the Plaza de España, in Cieza.  Its objective is to encourage and promote craftsmanship in Cieza, and to ensure that traditions are not lost.
Antiquity and youth, tradition and innovation are united hand in hand to offer the visitor a wide range of products produced by the skill and experience of these artisans.

The artesan market in Cieza acquired its current name of “Mercadillo de los Frailes” because it took place initially in an ancient narrow street (which is today pedestrianised) situated near the Franciscan Monastery and was used by the monks to access the orchards and vegetable area. Today it takes place in the Plaza de España, with the building of the Mercado de Abastos as a backdrop.

In this market, there are a good number of stalls selling typical artesan products from Cieza, such as products made from esparto (grass), a vegetable fibre that was a way of life for many families and an economic driver for the town of Cieza for decades.

These products include: baskets, Moses baskets, typical cernachos (baskets) for collecting snails, bottle holders and mats, all of which can be purchased by visitors. There are also many other products including lace, embroidery, leather, iron, wood, glass and ceramics.

The market also has more contemporary products handmade by the younger artisans, including jewellery, leather goods, soaps and perfumes produced from natural products, T- shirts or artificial stone.

The market is open from around 10am to lunchtime.