Twenty-one embassies, including several local businesses, participated in the second edition of the Diplomatic Spouses Charity Bazaar hosted at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare recently.
The bazaar, which was held on October 26, is an initiative of the Diplomatic Spouses Association of Zimbabwe (DSA).
DSA is open to all spouses of accredited members of diplomatic missions in Harare. It supports expatriate spouses, promotes social and cultural interactions among members and Zimbabweans and raises funds for charitable institutions.
The association is an informal, voluntary, non-profit, non-political, non-religious and self-supporting and was founded in 1981.
In a statement, the association said “the primary purpose of the Diplomatic Charity Bazaar remains to raise funds for charity projects, with all DSA proceeds directed towards welfare initiatives in Zimbabwe”.
“This year’s bazaar reinforced the commitment of the association to give back to the local community while celebrating the rich tapestry of international cultures,” the statement read.
The event started in the morning with embassy representatives parading their flags and showcasing their stunning national costumes.
A multicultural audience flocked to the bazaar to experience a whirlwind of international flavours, arts and traditions that were on offer. Each embassy transformed its stalls into lively displays, inviting attendees to indulge in authentic cuisine and explore handcrafted products from their homelands.
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DSA president Nadia Abbasi said the bazaar was a huge success. She said it received a lot of support from local businesses and was well attended.
“We would like to work more in bigger and long-term projects that can be seen growing and bearing positive results,” Abbasi said.
The entertainment programme showcased cultural diversity, featuring an array of performances from participating nations. Guests were treated to Mozambican music, a German mini fashion show and an energetic display by the Synocare Dance Kids, a dance group that comprises children with hypo/hyper thyroidism.
The line-up was further elevated by Sofar Sounds Harare alumni Dudu Manhenga and Mary Anibal.
Students representing the Harare International School Marimba Band and the Heritage School Jazz Band showcased their talents with their lively tunes. There were also thrilling displays of Chinese martial arts that were fused with dance performances.
Egypt showcased its cultural dances through diverse performers. The Indonesian dance, titled Gemu Famire, and the European Union Dance Challenge added a festive flair to the event.
The bazaar also offered 160 raffle prizes. Winners received airline tickets to Dubai, Rwanda and Namibia as well as luxury stay vouchers at lodges, jewellery, embassy hampers and sponsorship vouchers.
