Indian Summer in Valencia: Night Market In Benimaclet

A little bit of India is making its way to Valencia. A night market In Benimaclet that offers fun for all the family with food, henna painting, artisanal stalls and music. Eugene Costello hears all about it…

You will find a little bit of Rajasthan in Benimaclet this weekend, with Mercadillo Indu throwing open its doors. With stalls selling ethnic clothes, jewellery and artisanal products, this is more than a market, though.

People might call it a night market In Benimaclet, but there’s more. There are stalls offering henna painting, traditional Indian cuisine and spices that will whisk you to the sub-continent. And the atmosphere is going to be as exotic as the spices – there will be live performances showcasing Indian folk music, singers and even Bollywood dancing.  

Valencia’s new night market

All takes place in a super-cool walled urban garden that is lit up by stringed fairy lights after dark, adding to the exotic atmosphere. 

We say: “Broaden your minds without leaving the city. And support these initiatives that add to our cultural enjoyment in our adopted city – without our support, they cannot continue forever.”

They say: “Our market is situated in a peaceful walled garden just off the Plaza de Benimaclet, with the vast canopy of a fig tree providing shade and a covered seating area where you can take the weight off your feet and enjoy our homemade Indian food and drinks, in the very best company. 

“With beautiful boho style clothing in brilliant colours straight out of Jaipur, sterling silver jewellery handcrafted in Valencia and Pushkar using ancient Rajasthani techniques and stones from all over India, skilled henna artists onsite, and more artisan stalls offering handmade treasures from local artists, you can shop for treats for yourself and your loved ones while you enjoy our live shows, featuring classical Indian musicians and dancers. 

“Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere.”

• Mercadillo Indu, Solar Maria, 12 carrer de Puçol, Benimaclet; Friday 10 and Saturday 11; from 6pm both days till late; food and market stalls all evening; Friday – traditional Indian singer at 7pm; Saturday – traditional and Bollywood dancing at 9pm

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