Flea market finds
Written by Elizabeth Ayling
Think flea markets and you’ll probably think of les Marchés aux Puces in Paris or of Pettycoat Lane, London – famed flea markets that always feature in these capitals’ tourist guides. But while Malta has tourism literature aplenty, it’s not often you’ll find mention of the flea market that takes place every Sunday on a gravel area just a few paces up from Couvre Porte and the entrance to Birgu. The reason? Probably because you need to get up very early and go somewhat off the regular beaten tourism track. But it’s a firm date each week for throngs of die-hard bargain hunters, mostly locals.
It’s a cross between flea market and car boot sale. You’ll have to jostle past the jumble sale stalls with hoards of women picking over second-hand clothing. But wend your way up and down the rows of stall holders, who’ve set up pitch at 5am to get pole position, and you’ll find some of the quirkiest, weirdest, kitschiest objects you’ll have ever stumbled upon. Need a whole jazz band from the southern USA (in statuette form)? Or some religious memorabilia? Of course, you’ll also find some rare vintage pieces like those 1960s retro lamps you’ve always wanted. Not to mention army surplus that’s great for the kids’ dressing-up box.
Here are just some of the items that caught our eye. Make a date with Birgu’s flea market next week and you’re bound to go back home with something you never knew you wanted! Happy browsing…
The stall holder knew the value of these tin toys! No bargains here…
Something for that Sunday afternoon read perhaps?
Let’s not forget the religious side to Sunday…and Oxo beckoning the Sunday lunch.
From peace to war…we came across gas masks and German pilot’s goggles too.
Bring out the collector in you…
Perfect for the bedside table.
Something rather unnerving about the look of this long-forgotten doll. But the Kenwoods might be useful.
Stetson man! The people are just as fascinating as the finds!
Directions: See Google map for venue.
What about the prices? Are they reasonable or, as very often in Malta, way too high?
Anne,
Well, it depends on what you’re after and how keen you look! Stall holders do know the value of things though, so real finds might not be bargain basement. Play hard to get and not that bothered and prices are negotiable. Try to get a batch for a job lot price, that helps.I got some nice retro ’50s glassware for a good price.
Is the flea market open every Sunday, even in summer? Thanks…
Sasha,
I think it does run in summer too. In fact, I was going to go this coming Sunday (very early I might add) so if I do, I’ll let you know if it’s on still. It’s always something to get up at crack of dawn for, heat or not!
l was the person that started the birgu market,with the help of a trader named lorry,now myself run a stall in valletta market every sunday which used to be the first market in malta and now is in floriana, l can tell you that is very popular with maltese and tourist alike,there is a bit of everything and prices really hope to see you someday too.take care
Can you say what hours the market is open?
Thanks
Martin,
The market is open from very early to around early afternoon. Like any flea market or car boot sale, it pays to be there as early as possible to grab the find and bargains! I tend to get there around 8.30am and find it already bustling. I suggest 7.30, if you can bear to get up that early!
Hey! Thanks for information! I’m going to Malta tomorrow!
Justina,
see you on Sunday then as I hope to make it to Birgu flea market this weekend! Good trip here!
Thank you for the information. I will be there next week!