Zaragoza welcomes autumn with an event that promises to bring life to one of its most charming areas. The 'El Jardín del Gancho' Flower and Pet Market will take place in Plaza José María Forqué on Sunday, September 6th, and will be held every first Sunday of the month. The aim is to transform this corner of the El Gancho neighborhood, in the heart of the Zamoray-Pignatelli area, into a meeting point where nature, local businesses, and pets come together.
The initiative, which was announced by Mayor Natalia Chueca during the State of the City Address last July, is now being launched by the City Councilor for Economy, Digital Transformation, and Transparency, Carlos Gimeno. The project stems from actively listening to residents and is sponsored by Tuco and Kalibo. The market will operate as a pilot project for three Sundays —September 6, October 4, and November 8—from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the intention of becoming a permanent fixture starting in the spring of 2027 if it is well received.
An ephemeral urban garden inspired by Europe
Based on the concept of creating an 'ephemeral urban garden' , the venue will feature a meticulously designed space. Traditional-inspired wooden stalls will be combined with abundant natural decor featuring plants, parasols, and textiles in neutral tones. All of this is structured around a fully accessible design, with a layout intended to create a fluid flow that encourages strolling and continuous interaction between visitors and exhibitors.
Gimeno emphasized that this proposal draws directly from the large and successful flower markets of Europe. “Flower and artist markets are well-established in major European cities , and Zaragoza, which aspires to be a European benchmark, couldn't be left behind,” he stated. The goal is for the plaza to become a meeting point where people come out and fill its squares with activities, just as happens in other cities across the continent.
Flowers, pets and a full leisure program
The market will feature around twenty stalls, many of them occupied by the Florists' Association, which will rotate its participants at each event. They will be joined by animal shelters, companies specializing in pet products, and artists, with the aim of creating a more diverse and appealing offering for all visitors. The area dedicated to pets will be a key feature , with exhibitors specializing in food, accessories, handcrafted products, and animal welfare, including rest areas and water stations.
But the market won't just be a shopping space. The program will include DJ sets, flower arranging workshops, family activities, art installations, and photo corners specifically designed to invite visitors to rediscover the city from a different perspective. There will also be chess matches organized by the Aragonese Artistic Association. "It's an experience designed for families," said Gimeno, who emphasized that the idea is for visitors to stay in the area long after they've finished shopping.
A boost for Zamoray-Pignatelli
The opening of this market is part of the city's strategy to boost activity in the Zamoray-Pignatelli and El Gancho neighborhoods. The councilor emphasized the impact it will have on the surrounding area , stressing that this market is not just a leisure option, but a driving force for change within the area's revitalization strategy. "We want the neighborhood to regain its vibrancy and dynamism, and to establish itself as a friendly, safe, and lively hub for all residents of Zaragoza," he added.
The project also addresses the needs of sectors such as florists, who require spaces to promote their products beyond the Zaragoza Florece festival, and animal shelters. The Municipal Animal Protection Center (CMPA) will have its own stand to bring the reality of the animals waiting for a chance at its facilities closer to the public. “It’s important for people to know that a potential pet is already out there,” Gimeno pointed out, expressing her hope that this will also lead to new opportunities for these animals.
Market calendar and dates
The 'El Jardín del Gancho' Flower and Pet Market will be held on the first Sunday of each month, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The confirmed dates for this autumn are Sunday, September 6th, Sunday, October 4th, and Sunday, November 8th . If the market proves successful, the city council intends to establish it as a regular event starting in the spring of 2027. The chosen location is Plaza José María Forqué, in the heart of El Gancho.
The initiative, which originated with the residents themselves, aims to attract both locals and visitors during the autumn months. The market is designed as a complete leisure experience that goes far beyond buying and selling , with the goal of increasing visitor numbers, boosting spending in local restaurants and bars, and promoting entrepreneurial talent in the area. “Every activity, every stall, and every visitor who comes to Plaza José María Forqué will be directly contributing to building community, supporting local businesses, and demonstrating that the revitalization of Zamoray-Pignatelli and the El Gancho neighborhood is, and will be, a collective success,” Gimeno concluded.
With this initiative, Zaragoza aims to test a different approach to revitalize Plaza José María Forqué and reinforce the role of public spaces as meeting places. Flowers, pets, music, and family activities will come together for three Sundays in El Gancho to see if this new market can become a permanent fixture. The city hopes to establish a model that has already proven successful in other European capitals, where flower markets have become genuine tourist and social hubs. Time will tell if this commitment to urban revitalization through local commerce and culture garners the public support it seeks.
