It is said that the Necessity is a mother of Invention and the story of the origination of the Flea Market in the state is nothing different. You will be surprised to know how the concept of Flea Market came into existence. Here in this very interesting story, we are going to tell how the Hippies Market came into existence in Goa.
Hippies began entering the state during the early 50s when the Portuguese were still ruling the state. Portuguese left Goa in 1961 one but the hippies remained here and started dwelling in the state in secluded places like Anjuna and Vagator in North Goa.
Slowly the state of Goa became a hideaway destination for the hippies and a home for many hipsters. Something that began in the late 60s by a ‘freak’ is now a full-fledged movement attracting the youth. One of the off-beat experiences that can be witnessed in Goa is the sights of Hippies in the beaches of Anjuna, Vagator, Arambol.
The beginning of Flea Market Concept
Now coming to the main subset of this story and that is how the trend of Flea Market began in the state. According to sources, when Hippies started realising that there is a huge demand for foreign goods like walkman and digital gadgets they are carrying has a huge demand in the state, they began to sell their stuff and their belongings to survive and stay little longer in the state.
Running out of money and for the aim of extending their stay, Hippies originally set up Flea markets to sell their old belongings. It ranges from jeans to jewellery and from guitars to devices like walkman and music cassettes.
The Hippies are the part of a NOMAD community and they do not have a fixed destination and set life hence they did not mind selling their own belongings for the need of cash and slowly this need turned into the concept.
A lot of people started visiting the Flea Market in Anjuna which used to take place on Wednesdays, and that became a regular affair. Something that began with few people selling their stuff turned into the well-established Flea market.
The Flea Market Today
The setting up of a flea market to sell their belongings as means of earning a small amount of money, to extend their stay in Goa turned into the established flea market.
It is a very exciting and unique experience that Goa offers. The hippie paradise state, Goa: a place for the freaks, misfits and the free-spirited minds.
These hippies are themselves a sight to see. They have captured the attention of many from their style of living. Many have raised their eye-brows witnessing their life habits and their idea of escaping the routine and living a life of peace and enjoyment.
Running out of money and for the aim of extending their stay, Hippies originally set up Flea markets to sell their old belongings. It ranges from jeans to jewellery and from guitars to devices like walkman and music cassettes.
The hippies from different parts of the world like Israel, Sweden, Russia, and Italy; lay their small mats and align their products for sale around these beaches.
These were traditionally auctions held in the morning 9 am onwards and went on till sunset. If you are visiting Goa, during the months from October till April then this is a must in your bucket list!
What you can Expect at the Flea Market
This is the place where you can find unique pieces of jewellery and handmade artefacts, used musical instruments and much more interesting stuff.
According to The Goan, A couple of hundred foreign tourists, a huge number of them women, come together and set up a temporary base at the stretches of the beach, selling their unique ware to tourists and buyers, several of whom are foreigners themselves.
The hippies are quite talented and skilled people. Most of them hand-make the pieces of jewellery and artefacts to sell here. One can also catch them singing and dancing around. When one takes a walk around the beach during this time, it looks as though, the beach has worn a different look.
The Hippies are the part of a NOMAD community and they do not have a fixed destination and set life hence they did not mind selling their own belongings for the need of cash and slowly this need turned into the concept.
The hippies from different parts of the world like Israel, Sweden, Russia, and Italy; lay their small mats and align their products for sale around these beaches.
The Shift
Early in the late 60s and 70s, the hippie movement was still on the verge and the flea markets was just for the sake of earning some money. Now, it has also become a thing around travellers.
It is the way to showcase their talent and sell it. The early morning flea markets and the moon parties were all a thing for the hipsters. With the tending of the EDM trance and also back-packing travelling, the hippie era has taken on a new version. The modern-day hippies are re-igniting this essence and bringing it back into style.
For this year, the Flea market will be organised in various locations like Armabol, Anjuna and even Arpora. These flea markets have turned into a melting pot of different cultures from India, and around the globe. You can find anything and almost everything you want. The bright, quirky jewellery, clothes, artefacts, bags and sculptures to even spices and tattoo services. There will also be cafes and restaurant that are a treat for your taste buds. If you want to avoid the crowds then the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. The best time to visit would around 6 pm, when the informal market really gets exciting, with amazing music and vibes around the beach.
Hippies began entering the state during the early 50s when the Portuguese were still ruling the state. Portuguese left Goa in 1961 one but the hippies remained here and started dwelling in the state in secluded places like Anjuna and Vagator in North Goa.
This is one of the most wanted experiences for every traveller when they visit Goa. The sights, vibes and the night around the beach during this time of the year will surely prove to be a memorable night spent in this paradise.
