The Christmas Bazaar (source: SITA)
THE CHRISTMAS Bazaar, the biggest joint charity event of the diplomatic and international community in Slovakia, is a deeply rooted tradition in Slovakia, indicating that Christmas festivities are approaching. Its 22nd edition, organised by the International Women’s Club of Bratislava (IWCB), took place in the Stará tržnica (Old Market-Hall) on Sunday, November 25, drawing thousands of visitors.
“The participation of the public is great, a lot [of things] have been sold; the atmosphere is very pleasant. We are grateful,” Zora Inka Grohoľová from IWCB told the TASR newswire.
This year over 40 countries were represented along with four international schools, five non-profit organisations, the Rotary Club, the Lions Club and the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, and UNHCR. Each country was selling meals and products typical of its region. Apart from traditional participating countries, this year Kazakhstan took part for the first time, while Romania and the US returned after a break.
According to Grohoľová, visitors are traditionally most interested in the stands and food of Asian countries. They are also interested in Belarus, Russian, Georgian or Bulgarian specialities, which are not commonly available.
The IWCB will allocate money raised via entry tickets and tombola, as well as the sale of sweets, delicacies and souvenirs, amongst charity organisations across Slovakia. Last year, more than €90,000 was raised and organisers hope that this year they will have more funds to donate.
