Feature: Lisbon Flea Market — Flea Market Insiders
It’s 7 p.m., and there are white vans parked all over Campo de Santa Clara. If you peek inside, you will probably find someone sleeping or eating there.
No, these are not homeless people, but the flea market vendors of the Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s most famous flea market.
These people often stay overnight to make sure they get the best parking spot to unload their items on the next day.
Some have been selling at the Feira da Ladra for 30 years. Others have just started selling a year ago.
“Business has seen better days. More people are looking than buying,” many of the vendors complain.
In spite of that, they choose to come back because they’ve become used to the routine.
As the sun rises over Lisbon, more and more people join in and start uncovering their goods.
They anxiously count down to 7 a.m., which is when flea market vendors are legally allowed to start setting up their stalls.
While they wait, they get their coffee fix at the Panteão. This cafe is set just around the corner of Campo de Santa Clara.
Flea market vendors of the Feira da Ladra used to set up their booth even earlier than 7! However, after a few neighbors complained about the noise in the morning, they were forced to only come down at 7 a.m.
And they still feel somehow resentful about that. After all, when it comes to selling at the flea market, every minute counts! And the earlier, the better.
My first featured article is now up on the Flea Market Insiders website.
Read the whole piece about what it’s like to live near the Lisbon Flea Market.