Weekend flea market returns to Prague with fun finds for all

The Blešení flea market experience is back for its second year on Saturday, April 29, at Hall 13 of the Holešovice Market Hall in Prague.

The concept behind the event links sustainable shopping with concerts, workshops, and a food festival. Founders of the event Tamara Klusová, Mirka Baštová, and Elena Janota, established the popular ongoing LEMARKET, a modern marketplace of local brands.

"We want to give things that are purposelessly found in our homes a new life and a chance to find repeated use. At the same time, we are big fans of projects that deal with recycling, sustainability, and vintage or slow fashion, and we would like to introduce them to a wider public," said the organizers in a news release.

This weekend's flea market will be divided into two parts. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Blešeničko market dedicated to children's items will be open. A children's zone with babysitting services will be on hand; older kids can take part in LEMARKET studio upcycling workshops.

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the classic flea market will follow with concerts, workshops, and an after-party, which will end at midnight. The event will also feature a food zone with refreshments from selected local vendors.

Those who want to sell their cast-off items (books, clothes, home decor, furniture) at the flea market can buy space for selling via the event website.

Opportunities for swapping, selling, and upcycling in Prague are on the rise. Most recently, the capital opened its fifth re-use point. The initiative allows individuals to return functional items they no longer need to special closed containers every day.

A 2022 STEM survey on sustainability in fashion in the Czech Republic found that up to 56 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 combine the purchase of new clothes with second-hand clothes. Buying second-hand clothes is also becoming popular among older generations, mainly thanks to its lower price. 

Last year's flea market attracted over a thousand visitors. Organizers attribute the event's success not only to the variety of items on sale but also to the lively atmosphere. They say they anticipate this year's event, with its inclusion of a market designed to cater to kids, to prove equally successful.

For visitors, the flea market presents an excellent opportunity to sell or purchase unique and sustainable items while supporting local businesses. It also serves as a great platform for learning about recycling, sustainability, and slow fashion in the Czech Republic.