MORE than 15 embassies will be part of this year's Diplomatic Charity Bazaar to be hosted by the Diplomatic Spouses Association in Zimbabwe (DSA) at the Old Georgians Sports Club in Mt Pleasant, Harare, on Saturday.
Now in its second edition, the charity bazaar is an international event that brings together the diplomatic community, Zimbabweans and visitors alike to celebrate culture, diversity and goodwill.
According to organisers, the event promises an unparalleled cultural experience and will see the embassies of Botswana, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Türkiye, Sweden, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Serbia, the European Union, Portugal, Italy, Mozambique, Namibia, China, Egypt, Malawi, Rwanda, Germany, Nigeria and others participating. Each embassy will present a variety of country-specific specialities, including traditional foods and beverage stores, handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs, offering attendees the chance to sample and purchase items from across the globe without leaving Zimbabwe.
“Last year's charity bazaar was the first one post-COVID-19 and a unique platform to connect the diplomatic missions and embassies with the local community, creating a positive impact on the Harare social scene,” DSA president Nadia Abbasi told the IndependentXtra.
“Events like these give an international experience to local communities and also enable diplomats to get to learn more about the local culture and people. The bazaar was a great opportunity for a global cuisine tour and a cultural extravaganza committed to raising funds for a noble cause,” she noted.
The event is open to the public and offers an opportunity to explore the world, savour international cuisines and experience the traditional costumes and cultural expressions of different nations through the vibrant and diverse stalls of embassies.
The entry fee is $5 for adults, while children under 12 and those aged 75 and above are entitled to free entry.
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In addition to the embassy stalls, Zimbabwean businesses, vendors, artists, craftsmen including DSA-supported charities, will be present.
The day will also feature live performances by foreign and local artistes.
There will be a kids' corner with activities to keep them entertained while parents enjoy the cultural offerings and shopping.
The event will kick off with the International Flag Parade, where representatives from the participating embassies will proudly display their national flags and walk around the arena in their traditional attires to mark the opening of the bazaar.
Visitors will have the chance to buy raffle tickets at the DSA stall, with exciting prizes to be won, such as return tickets to Dubai courtesy of the UAE embassy and the Emirates Airlines. Prizes also include a ticket to Namibia with Fly Namibia, Patrick Mavros jewellery and overnight accommodation at top lodges and hotels in Zimbabwe.
Besides being a cultural celebration, the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar is also a charity event. All proceeds from the DSA’s participation go towards supporting various charitable projects across Zimbabwe. Last year, the association supported Danai Children’s Home by renovating their sitting area with new furniture and providing reading materials. They have also supported childhood learning development programmes in Mabvuku, including fundraising for the DSA Charity Walk for Albinism 2024.
DSA is an informal, voluntary, non-profit, non-political, non-religious and self-supporting association founded in 1981.
