Free And Fair - The Gratiferia

--by hualcagallardo, posted Nov 22, 2012

One of the new residents in our town in the Andes Mountains started a Gratiferia. It is held every Sunday in the central park from 10:30 to 1 p.m. A Gratiferia means free and fair, it means you bring whatever you no longer need that could still be useful to someone else, and whoever is in need of what you brought can take if for free.

We have gotten some surprised looks from passers-by. We regularly get comments like, "Is anything wrong with this orange when you're giving it away?" Or, "Why are you doing this?" Our answers are, "We give away the best that we can." And, "We want to spread the culture of generosity."

We have given away fresh organic oranges, tangerines, fresh-squeezed orange juice, just-made waffles, just published books, used clothes for adults and children, a bicycle seat, hats, dolls, toys, plants, seeds ... and so on.

When people get out of church after the 10 a.m. mass, they are greeted by the Gratiferia. They now expect it! We hope it becomes a new tradition.

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Posted by hualcagallardo
Nov 22, 2012
Comments (8)

Readers Comments

unknown wrote: what a beautiful idea and how lovely that it is giving away the best you can. Just imagine what the world would be like if that caught on all over the world! Bless you for your brilliant idea and for making it possible for your little town.

starryskies wrote: Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing! :)

divanurse wrote: I am sure you have started a new tradition and others will start bring things as well.

princessliz wrote: This tops a flee market! Love this idea.
Oh, and organic fruits? You guys do give the best! :)
Now that's a culture worth adopting! :)

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: What a great idea! I hope it keeps going for many more days to come! :)

cyana wrote: Amazing idea! I'm going to let this percolate and think of a way i can do this in my community.

heartwarmer wrote: That is such a great idea! I would also like to try this in my community.

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