Design and Craft a Raffia Bag in Barcelona

If you’re heading to Barcelona and looking for a way to take home more than just photos, a raffia bag-making workshop might be just the ticket. We haven’t done the class ourselves, but from all the reviews and info out there, it sounds like a creative, engaging experience—especially if you love hands-on activities that leave you with a truly personal souvenir.

Two things really stand out about this experience: First, it offers a deep dive into the traditional art of raffia bag making, giving you insights into a craft that’s rooted in Spanish tradition. Second, it’s a chance to customize your own bag—from choosing colors and styles to stitching your name on it, making it uniquely yours.

A potential consideration is that the experience is about two hours long, so you’ll want to be prepared for a focused session without much time for sightseeing around it. It’s best suited for those who enjoy craft projects, want a memorable keepsake from their trip, or are simply curious about local artisan techniques.

This experience feels perfect if you’re after something creative, interactive, and a little different from the usual city tour. It’s family-friendly (ages 6 to 99+), and offers a combination of hands-on crafting, cultural insight, and good snacks—a genuine way to connect more deeply with Barcelona’s artisanal side.

Key Points

• Authentic Craft Experience: Learn the art of raffia bag-making directly from master artisans.
• Highly Personalized: Design your bag by selecting colors, styles, and even adding your name.
• Cultural Insight: Gain an understanding of the tradition behind these bags in Spain.
• Tasty Break: Enjoy Spanish snacks and local drinks included in the workshop.
• All Ages Welcome: Suitable for a wide age range, making it a family-friendly activity.
• Flexible & Convenient: Check availability and choose from multiple start times; closed captioning and wheelchair accessibility are available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Meeting Point and Setting

You’ll meet inside a workshop space, specifically at the HANDMADE THE BRAND® shop, where all the materials, tools, and finished products are on display. This setting immediately sets a creative tone—think of it as walking into a well-stocked artisan studio. The staff and instructors are described as friendly, welcoming, and full of good advice, which helps ease any nerves about crafting something yourself.

The Crafting Process

This is a hands-on workshop, so you’re actively involved in the entire process. You’ll get an in-depth look into the tradition of raffia bags in Spain—what makes them special and how they’ve become a fashionable yet cultural symbol. The artisans will guide you through choosing your bag’s size, colors, handles, and even adding personal text, like your name.

People love the customization aspect—“handpicking from thousands of combinations,” as one review notes—making your bag a true reflection of your style. You’ll also get to try stitching your name onto the bag, which adds a personal touch that’s seldom available in typical souvenir shopping.

The Snacking and Social Aspect

While crafting, you’ll be sampling Spanish snacks and sipping on local drinks. It’s a relaxed and friendly environment—the kind where you can chat, ask questions, and just enjoy the creative process. Many reviewers mention the good humor and bubbly personalities of the guides, which makes the experience feel warm and authentic.

The End Result

When you finally try on your new raffia bag, it’s a real moment of pride. One traveler recounted feeling like a “true artisan” when trying on the finished product, and many mention how satisfying it is to walk away with a custom-made souvenir that’s both stylish and meaningful.

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Value for Money

At $113 per person, this experience seems to offer a lot—an engaging workshop, a handcrafted bag, snacks, and drinks. While it’s not exactly a bargain, the personalized nature of the craft and the insider knowledge you gain make it feel like good value, especially if you love unique souvenirs or creative activities.

If you’re someone who appreciates craftsmanship, enjoys DIY projects, or just wants a memorable way to connect with local culture, this workshop could be a highlight of your trip. It’s family-friendly, so kids over 6 can get involved, making it a fun outing for families or groups of friends.

It’s also perfect if you’re looking for an activity that balances cultural insight, creativity, and social interaction—all wrapped into a manageable two-hour window. On the other hand, if you prefer sightseeing or fast-paced adventures, this might feel a bit slow. But for a relaxed, meaningful break from walking around, it hits the right notes.

The Itinerary and Duration

The workshop lasts around two hours, a good length for focusing on the craft without feeling rushed. Check the availability beforehand to see the starting times—they’re flexible enough to fit into most schedules. You’ll meet at the shop, where the staff will have everything prepared.

The Group and Instructor

Guides speak multiple languages including Spanish, Catalan, English, and French, helping ensure many travelers can participate comfortably. The reviews praise the guides as bubbly, patient, and helpful, which is valuable when trying something new. Group sizes are likely small enough to get personalized attention, especially since it’s a craft class.

Cost Breakdown and Value

At $113 per person, the price covers the entire workshop, your handcrafted raffia bag, plus snacks and drinks. Considering the uniqueness of the souvenir and the quality of the experience, it feels like an authentic value. You’re not just buying a bag—you’re learning a skill and creating something with your own hands.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is great for visitors with mobility needs. The workshop is held indoors, in a space filled with tools and materials, so weather doesn’t impact the activity.

What’s Included and What to Expect

You’ll get a hands-on tutorial, your customized raffia bag, and snacks and drinks—a nice touch that makes the experience more relaxed. The process involves selecting your style, colors, and stitching your name if you wish, giving you a sense of ownership over your creation.

Review Highlights and Real Feedback

One traveler described it as “a great time spent with Anny and Anne,” highlighting the good advice, patience, and friendly atmosphere. Another appreciated how the guides created a surprise for a birthday girl, adding a special touch to the session. From these comments, it’s clear that the experience isn’t just about making bags but about making memories.

This raffia bag workshop offers more than just a craft class – it’s a chance to connect with Barcelona’s artisanal traditions while creating a personalized keepsake. If you’re into DIY activities, enjoy cultural stories behind local crafts, or want a fun, interactive way to spend a couple of hours, this is a solid pick.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a relaxed activity with a tangible reward at the end. The included snacks and friendly guides make it a warm, welcoming experience, and the chance to stitch your name onto your bag adds a special, memorable touch.

While it’s not a bargain, the craftsmanship, cultural insight, and fun make it a worthwhile splurge—particularly if you value quality souvenirs and hands-on experiences.

How long does the workshop last?
The activity takes about 2 hours, giving you enough time to learn, create, and enjoy the snacks without feeling rushed.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for anyone aged 6 and above, so families can participate together.

What languages are spoken during the workshop?
Guides speak Spanish, Catalan, English, and French, ensuring most travelers can follow along comfortably.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the hands-on raffia bag workshop, your custom-made bag, and snacks and drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind if your schedule shifts.

Where do I meet the guides?
You’ll meet inside the HANDMADE THE BRAND® shop, where all the materials are prepared and ready for your creative session.

If you’re in Barcelona and craving an activity that’s creative, cultural, and fun, this Raffia Bag workshop offers a genuine, memorable experience. It’s a great way to take home more than just photos—leave with a handcrafted piece and a story to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: