In 1996, fifty tattoo artists gathered for the first Cotxeres de Sants Barcelona Tattoo Fair. The event marked a turning point for the Spanish tattoo scene, with its director, Mike Garreta, calling the early gathering a modest beginning. He stressed that Spain now hosts a world-class talent pool and that the fair has quietly contributed to a growing nationwide movement. The fair opened in Fira Barcelona’s Hall 8 with great fanfare, kicking off a 25th anniversary celebration that drew attendees from across Europe and beyond.
Barcelona Tattoo Expo faced a pause in 2006 and 2007, moving to La Farga in L’Hospitalet in 2008. A smaller edition was held during the pandemic year when the venue offered only a few booths. The year before the pandemic, the fair reached a record pace with 18,000 visitors. The explosion of tattoo culture has become a defining urban fashion trend of the era, with many barriers and prejudices broken since 2000. Tattooing is now widely recognized as an art form, according to Laura Cubero, organizer and spokesperson for the congress.
back to normal
Last year, travel restrictions and masks limited some artists from attending in person, yet a robust crowd still gathered, counting 13,000 fans. The 2022 edition is expected to push further ahead as life returns to normal. Garreta noted that 262 tattooists traveled from 32 countries and 27 Spanish provinces, with nearly all autonomous communities represented. He emphasized the ongoing appeal of tattoo culture and the opportunity to showcase top talent from around the world. The fair also showcases urban trends accumulated over the last decade, including BAUM FEST, which blends break dance, graffiti, skating, and extreme sports. Attendees can enjoy exhibitions, concerts, and a display of customized vehicles and art forms as part of the broader urban movement.
Brake dance shows at BAUM FEST 2021 are part of the festival’s enduring vibe. The event has grown beyond a simple convention to include a family-friendly atmosphere with a wide range of activities.
The festival originated to expand the family of tattoo culture with related arts and performances. An extreme segment brings live demonstrations and competitions, adding a dynamic edge to the program. The metaverse component marks a new chapter for the congress, offering a multi-user virtual reality experience that complements the live events. Painting in a parallel world will be possible thanks to partnerships with Nexus Virtual Studios, Pixel Pro Barcelona, and a noted graffiti artist involved in the project.
Graffiti and live art will again be on display all weekend, with opportunities for participants to create as a novelty on site. BMX and parkour competitions will provide new entertainment formats, and a special feature includes a top guest artist who has contributed to this year’s poster and the broader tattoo scene. Other exhibits highlight traditional Japanese painting styles and comic art by notable practitioners, including Rafa Vaquer, who is celebrating a milestone with a series of themed pieces. The program features special effects and body makeup demonstrations and even live art from renowned tattooists who also work in graffiti and painting. One artist known for a five-meter canvas will perform during the three days.
The event also includes specialized tattoo cosmetic stands, talks, competitions, concerts, skate fashion showcases, and food trucks. The organizers emphasize that the convention engages more than tattooists and fans; it offers workshops for children, family audiences, and others who may not have a tattoo themselves. This broader approach aligns with a community focus and a charitable day that supported cancer survivors by helping erase mastectomy scars through artistic tattoo repair efforts earlier in the year.