It's like counting down the days until Christmas! The Bazar International, one of our favourite events of the year, is set to take place between 15-17 November 2024.
A firm favourite with locals and expats alike, the Bazar International de Luxembourg has been a fixture of the Grand Duchy's cultural and culinary scene for decades. Every year, hundreds of volunteers come together to celebrate Luxembourg's diversity, and raise money for charity work across the world.
If you want to know more about the Bazar International de Luxembourg a.s.b.l, check out our Knowledge Bite article, our RTL Reports video from 2019, and of course the official Bazar website.
The organisation has also completed its administration of the last edition, with the donations to the selected charities officially taking place on 13 March. The final sum that was collected will also be announced around that time.
What to expect
For those of you who haven't yet visited the Bazar International (you poor souls!), you might be wondering what to expect. Well, in short, the main event for most of us is of a culinary variety. The Bazar International is a showcase of the best bits of dozens of countries around the world, with around 60 nations represented each year through individual stands.
At the stands you can expect to find delicious traditional food and drink (so make sure to bring both money an an appetite!), as well as an assortment of gifts (for yourself or others). Many of us like to visit the Bazar International to get our Christmas shopping done, as it's an excellent place to find gifts outside of what you can expect from the usual assortment of high street shops. The classic book sale (featuring books in English as well as less common languages) is also a source of unbridled joy for the bookworms among you.
But it's not all about shopping. Charlotte de Vreeze-Nauta (who, in interest of transparency, is Vice President of the Bazar International committee) wrote an excellent article for us two years ago on why you should visit the Bazar. Beyond the food, drinks, and shopping, there is also fun for the whole family throughout the run of each event - from traditional dance demonstrations, to music, games, and more. Plus, RTL Today and Today Radio will be there again!
More than anything, though, let's not forget that it's all organised for a good cause.
All for charity
Many people recognise the Bazar International for its genuine global cuisine and outstanding Christmas shopping options. However, it might be surprising to learn that the entire event is coordinated and executed by volunteers. From the main organising committee to the staff at each booth, all participants generously donate their time and expertise.
Speaking to us in 2021 - the first year of our official partnership with the Bazar International - president Carmen Decalf clarified said that “It takes about 1500 volunteers to get the Bazar together, to build each individual stand, decorate them, buy products to be sold, prepare foods, organize tombola's, work in the stands during the Bazar and take down the stand afterwards, etc. The preparations start at least half a year in advance for most stands and turns into a full time job as the event draws nearer."
The earnings from the event go straight to charitable causes. Members of the Bazar International suggest charities to benefit from the funds collected during the event. These nominations undergo a thorough review by the executive team and then need the green light from the entire steering committee. This process ensures that the chosen charities not only make a genuine social difference but also handle the funds responsibly.
On the charitable aspect, Decalf added that "most of the beneficiaries are organisations based in Luxembourg, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Priority is given to empowering children and women through safety, education, vocational training and medical care. Charities are selected based on the impact they have on their communities, amongst other objectives."
The 2022 edition raised €650,000 for humanitarian projects in Luxembourg and abroad.
