The organising committee of the International Bazaar (Bazar International de Luxembourg) has announced that Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg will once again officially open this year's event on Saturday 27 November 2021 at LuxExpo The Box in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event did not take place last year. The organisers noted in a press release that even this year it has been a challenge; it was not until summer 2021 that they decided it would definitely go ahead, meaning that "what usually takes between six and nine months to create has now been done in less than three".
Carmen Decalf, President of the International Bazaar, explained: ‘We have had to cut costs as we are dealing with a maximum number of visitors that is lower than we are used to, thus likely resulting in less income for this year’s charities. However, we are confident that visitors will find themselves once again in the merry and fun atmosphere that they know so well”.
The International Bazaar is entirely run by volunteers. It takes about 1,500 people to get the event together: to construct and decorate the stands, to search for and buy products to be sold, to prepare food and organise tombolas (raffles), among other things. Ms Decalf added: “The Bazar weekend really is a culmination of thousands of hours of preparation. To me it is always an emotional moment, once we are open and everything is running smoothly, to see these different nationalities, different cultures, different religions, all working together to raise money for charities. To have a positive impact on the world around us. It’s that sense of solidarity that makes the Bazar International so unique".
The success of the event is ultimately defined by how much money can be donated to the charities that are selected anew, every year. "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", continued Ms Decalf.
For the very first time, the International Bazaar is opening its doors the evening before for a "sneak-preview". Those who cannot wait for the doors to officially open on Saturday 27 November at 10:00, can start their weekend on Friday 26 November at 18:00 with after work drinks and early bird shopping. The event will continue on Sunday 28 November.
This year's edition of the International Bazaar is taking place as a CovidCheck event. Entry is only possible after a QR code check (vaccinated, recovered or officially tested negative); a full list of requirements is available online at www.bazar-international.lu. Inside LuxExpo, various hygiene and safety measures are in place.
Entry is free but visitors are required to choose a time slot in advance. The booking system can be found on the websites of LuxExpo The Box: www.thebox.lu and the International Bazaar. Anyone who shows up spontaneously will have to buy a ticket for a fee at the entrance of LuxExpo.
Opening hours: Friday from 18:00 to 21:00; Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00; Sunday from 11:00-18:00.
