The 2nd Barcelona Urban Tomato Competition: balcony tomatoes, paella and music this Saturday

The event takes place this Saturday, September 5th, starting early in the morning, in a space already familiar to the residents of Poble-sec. The 2nd Barcelona Urban Tomato Competition is more than just a contest: it's the perfect opportunity to learn about local agriculture without leaving the city. It's organized by Tarpuna in collaboration with Slow Food Barcelona, ​​and sponsored by Vithal Garden.

The purpose goes beyond the trophy. They seek to highlight local varieties, forge connections within the growing community, and champion agricultural biodiversity. And they do so in the most delicious way possible: by tasting and sharing. An expert jury made up of chef Marc Esteve, Damià Gibernet, Ester Casasnovas, and Josep Maria Vallès will choose the best tomatoes of the day.

The prizes are pure local essence. From bouquets of dried flowers from Vidalba to specialized readings donated by Josep Maria Vallès and the Collserola Library – Josep Miracle. There are also gift baskets of products from Alimentem Collserola, gardening supplies from Vithal Garden, and a pack from Es-Imperfect® with sofrito and jam made with "imperfect" tomatoes. As if that weren't enough, seeds and plantable cookies from Eixarcolant complete the haul.

And remember, you don't need to bring your own tomatoes to enjoy it. The program is open to everyone. The morning kicks off at 10:00 with the tomato drop-off, and at 11:00 workshops and a seed and seedling exchange market open. It's the perfect time to take a little piece of the garden home and start your own balcony gardening adventure.

The big moment arrives with the announcement of the winners and the awards ceremony, scheduled for 12:30. Afterwards, at 13:00, everyone who wants to can join a public tasting to discover the enormous diversity of flavors hidden in the varieties grown on Barcelona's terraces and balconies.

The best way to celebrate the land in the middle of the city is to eat a good paella with neighbors, without rushing and with background music.

The grand finale is served at 1:30 pm: vegetarian paella accompanied by craft beer and a DJ set to keep the party going after lunch. Everything is free, according to the market itself, which suggests taking the metro to Paral·lel or the bus to Poble-sec, just a few minutes' walk from the venue.

These kinds of plans prove that Barcelona isn't just about the beach or the city center. Poble-sec offers an event that blends gastronomy, community, and urban agriculture, perfect for going with children, as a couple, or with friends. The culinary offerings of the area's municipal markets round out the morning, and the neighborhood has terraces and bars to extend the day without having to go far.

My recommendation: arrive early, wander among the seed stalls, and stay for the tasting. The atmosphere at Barcelona's farmers' markets is captivating. And if you've never grown a tomato in a pot, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a try.

What will you experience in this urban tomato competition?

Imagine a street market with stalls run by producers, neighbors laden with their best homegrown tomatoes, a jury thoroughly tasting them, and the murmur of a city that smells of paella. That's what a morning is like at the Mercat de la Terra de les Tres Xemeneies, in the heart of Barcelona's Poble-sec district.

The experience goes beyond the competition. There are workshops, seed exchanges, a community tasting, and live music. Everything is designed so that everyone, whether they grow their own food or not, feels part of the celebration. It's a neighborhood event with a festival spirit, the kind you enjoy without watching the clock.

When, where and how much: all the logistics

The event takes place this Saturday, September 5th, at the Mercat de la Terra de les Tres Xemeneies, in the Poble-sec neighborhood of Barcelona. The day begins at 10:00 AM with the arrival of tomatoes and continues into the early afternoon with paella and music.

Entry is free and open to the public, including the market, the competition, the workshops, and the tasting. Paella and craft beer are served from 1:30 pm. The most convenient way to get there is by metro: the Paral·lel station (L2 and L3) is just a few minutes' walk from the venue. You can also reach the Poble-sec area by bus.

Why it's worth coming this Saturday

This plan also fits the profile of a local leisure activity that doesn't require spending a lot. You can go with family, friends, or alone, and combine it with a stroll around the neighborhood. The dates are a plus: the beginning of September offers pleasant temperatures and long evenings, ideal for an outdoor activity.

If you love food markets, this is one of those unforgettable experiences. The mix of local produce, paella, music, and a great atmosphere perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Poble-sec and Barcelona's market campaign. Bring a reusable bag, come hungry, and mark your calendars: there's no excuse to stay home.

🎟️ The plan details

• 📍 Venue or venue: Tres Xemeneies Land Market, Poble-sec (Barcelona).
• 🎭 Type of leisure: Gastronomic market and urban agriculture competition.
• 💶 Average price: Free entry; paella and beer according to market prices.
• 👥 Who it's for: Families, couples, neighbors, urban gardeners and market lovers.