During the weekend of October 4th, 5th, and 6th, Barcelona once again became the capital of international tattooing. Right beneath the famous hill of Montjuïc — offering a breathtaking view over the city, the Fira de Barcelona, located in Plaza de España, hosted a new and vibrant edition of the Baum Fest – Barcelona Tattoo Convention, one of the longest-running and most iconic events on the European tattoo scene.
Organized by Mik Garreta, a historic figure of the Catalan tattoo scene, together with his well-established team, the event once again confirmed its role as a crossroads for artists, enthusiasts, and the simply curious. We at Tattoo Life, present with our stand right in front of the main stage, were able to fully experience the convention and the endless flow of shows and live performances that filled this lively three-day gathering.
Mik’s declarations
“Each edition of BAUM Fest is born from passion — from that raw and honest energy that defines tattooing and urban art. What moves us is not the spotlight, but the people: the artists who travel from every corner of the world to share their vision, the visitors who come looking for inspiration, and the team that believes in this project year after year.
We’re proud to keep building an independent space that stays true to its roots. BAUM Fest has grown beyond borders, it belongs to the global tattoo community, to everyone who believes that art can still be pure, emotional, and free. To every artist who filled Fira de Barcelona with soul, to every person who keeps this movement alive, thank you. You’re the reason this dream continues.”
Why did we love it? Because this is how tattooing is truly lived — artists meet, we in the editorial team get to discover them by watching them work, talking directly with them, and creating a genuine moment of scouting and discovery. It’s the kind of direct encounter that will soon bring new names and projects to our editorial channels. Walking through the aisles, one could meet artists from all over the world: Spain, Italy, Germany, France, the US, Latin America and Asia. A diversity that perfectly mirrors Barcelona’s cosmopolitan spirit — a city that is open, creative and deeply connected to expressive freedom, something clearly reflected in the bodies of its visitors.
Realism and black and grey once again dominated the scene, a clear sign of the public’s current taste and of the technical mastery of the tattooists present. Faces, portraits, animals, religious icons and mythological compositions came to life on skin across the booths, but there was also room for alternative and experimental styles: from neotraditional to Japanese, from lettering to ornamental, and new graphic contaminations that tell the story of tattooing’s constant evolution.
Yet, Baum Fest is much more than just a tattoo convention. It is a true festival of urban culture, where different disciplines coexist, united by the same creative drive. Alongside the tattoo booths, there were street art, skate and BMX shows, areas dedicated to body painting, independent design and alternative crafts, not to mention live music, dance and performance art. A dynamic mix that turned the event into a collective celebration of art and personal freedom.
The experienced hand of Mik and his team could be felt in every detail of the organization, a perfect blend of professionalism and a welcoming, familiar atmosphere. Mik, a key figure in the Barcelona tattoo community and one of the pioneers of tattooing in Spain, has managed over the years to create an event recognized and respected worldwide, one that has kept its authenticity intact despite the industry’s exponential growth.
The results were clear: a huge turnout, great engagement and a strong sense of community, especially visible during the tattoo contests, which gave generous space and attention to every category.
And here we bring you some of the highlights!
See you next year Barcelona! We’ll be there!
