How many countries can you go and see in one day? The ladies from the International Women’s Club in Sofia invite you on a gastronomic, musical and cultural journey to close to 70 countries this coming Sunday. For the 21st time they are organizing a Christmas charity bazaar with the active involvement of the international and diplomatic community in Bulgaria.

More about the event from Albena Jones, bazaar assistant coordinator:

“Sixty-six countries are taking part, so we shall be able to enjoy sixty-six different flavours and souvenirs. Throughout the day there will be folk dancing and folklore from different countries. It will be very colourful, interesting and lots of fun. Of course, the biggest stalls will be those of USA, Great Britain and Mexico, but all of the participants have done their best to present original cooking from their countries. And as 6 December is Nikulden or St. Nicholas Day, I am delighted to say our guests will be presenting their national fish dishes. There will also be takeaway but also traditional sweetmeats, candy, beverages, toys, jewellery and cosmetics. We also offer childcare while parents do their shopping.”

The bazaar is more than a Christmas event with lots of music, dancing and traditional food from all corners of the globe, it is a fundraiser for noble causes:

“The bazaar is a 100 percent charity event. Last year we raised almost a quarter of a million leva which we donated to different charities. Being a women’s organization, we naturally favour all charity organizations connected with women and children. We help disadvantaged women and women who wish to continue their education. But our support is most of all to children. As you know there are many homes for orphaned children in Bulgaria and we help practically all of them.”

The traditional charity bazaar will be on at the Inter Expo Centre in Sofia from 10 AM until 5 PM on December 6. The entrance fee is 3 leva. The event is taking place with the support of the Bulgarian National Radio and Spanish public radio, Radio 3.

English version: Milena Daynova