Kiridjian and her iconic vintage Citroën. (Credit: Photo provided by Daniele Kiridjian)
Since 2017, the flea market has grown into much more than a simple marketplace, evolving into a human adventure driven by a passion for objects, the stories they carry, and the connections they create across generations.
This passion takes shape in two complementary forms: a permanent boutique in the heart of the city and a series of special events. In the boutique, founder Daniele Kiridjian has created a warm, informal space showcasing small treasures from the past — old stamps, postcards and vintage photographs of Beirut, retro advertising posters, vintage tableware, vinyl records, old telephones, and decorative objects rich in history.
But her greatest joy lies in the traveling event she organizes over several days, bringing together enthusiasts of objects with soul — rare pieces that carry a history and a past. As the organizer of this ''nomadic'' gathering, Kiridjian regularly unites Lebanon’s community of antique dealers, collectors, and artisans.
Launched more than 20 years ago, the event now brings together dozens of exhibitors. After stops in iconic locations such as the Saint-Nicolas stairs in Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, and Mar Sassine Square in Beit Mery, it has found a fitting home at Union Marks — the former Abroyan factory — an ideal setting for this journey through time.
These short-lived editions offer period furniture (armchairs from the 1950s to the 1970s, tables), silverware, antique rugs, secondhand designer clothes, rare books and vintage jewelry.
In a particularly difficult economic and financial context, this escapade is a breath of fresh air, a way of "adding color to our gray,” a kind of act of resistance, a cultural interlude where visitors feel joy and the spirit of sharing, and the dozens of artisans, collectors and small independent vendors find a way to continue to exist.
Over the editions, the event has become a meeting place where collectors, antique dealers, artisans, and visitors come together to share heritage, knowledge and a certain vision of passing things on. Behind every object lies a memory, behind every exhibitor a story, and it is this human wealth that gives the flea market its soul.
“This 21st edition holds very special meaning,” says Kiridjian. “In a context where there are many uncertainties, we have chosen to maintain this gathering. Because we deeply believe it is important to keep creating spaces for life, meetings, and sharing. More than ever, we need beauty, culture, color and these simple moments that bring us together. The flea market is also a way to support a community of enthusiasts, small vendors, artisans and collectors who, despite challenges, continue to bring their work to life with heart and authenticity. It is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the love of heritage in all its forms.”
From its beginnings, from the steps of Gemmayzeh to the major editions that have welcomed thousands of visitors, the market has never stopped evolving. “But its essence has stayed the same: to offer a timeless break where objects find new life and where encounters often become the greatest discoveries. Above all, this 21st edition is an invitation to keep believing. To meet, share and support those who create and those who preserve. Because despite everything, life, culture and beauty are always worth celebrating.”
The flea market, Union Marks, Burj Hammoud, from June 4 to June 7, from noon to 10 p.m.
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