The International Bazaar has been a staple in Luxembourg’s fundraising calendar for 65 years. This volunteer-driven charity event continues to redefine philanthropy, raising millions while celebrating the nation’s multicultural identity. Board VP Ulrik Møller explains.
Less than a month before Christmas, thousands of people gather in the brightly-lit Lux-expo exhibition centre in Luxembourg-Kirchberg. Shoppers clutch cashmere shawls, handmade jewellery and wine purchased from among the sixty stands representing over 50 nations. Voices and laughter fill the space, mingling with mouthwatering scents.
For customers and the thousands of volunteers, the International Bazaar, now in its sixty-fourth edition, is a firm fixture in the social calendar. It is a celebration of culture, generosity and global solidarity. Last year, 43,000 guests navigated the stands, a dramatic rise from 27,000 in 2019, and this year, organisers aim even higher.
At the heart of the Bazar is a simple, powerful mission: to transform generosity into opportunity. Every purchase made, every plate of international cuisine savoured, and every crafted souvenir bought contributes directly to charitable causes worldwide. Over the past five years, Bazar International has raised an average of €837,000 per year, totalling €4,186,000 for global and local charities, a testament to Luxembourg’s generosity and the event’s enduring appeal.
Philanthropy in Luxembourg: A Unique Context
Luxembourg may be small, but its culture of giving is notable. According to a 2019 TNS Ilres survey, around 80% of residents donate to charity each year. Luxembourg’s tax deduction rules allowing donations of at least €120 to recognised public-interest organisations to be deductible, create an environment conducive for giving. The country boasts a number of community-led fundraising initiatives, including the Relais pour la Vie, and Red Cross Bazar. But the International Bazaar stands out for its combination of scale, volunteer engagement, and global reach.
“The generosity of the Luxembourgish community is remarkable,” says Ulrik Moller, Vice President of the Bazar board.
From Humble Beginnings to Philanthropic Landmark
The origins of the International Bazaar date back to a group of British expatriate women, inspired by the Anglo-Saxon tradition of creating charitable moments. Since then, it has evolved into a cornerstone of Luxembourg’s philanthropic landscape. “It became the International Bazaar through the creation of an ASBL,” explains Moller. “This beautiful moment of giving has grown into a platform where every visitor, volunteer, and donor is part of a movement for change.”
Despite the disruption of the COVID19 pandemic, the bazaar’s charitable mission remained alive. Donations continued even in the absence of a physical event, underscoring the resilience and dedication of the community behind it.
Volunteer-Driven Impact
What sets the International Bazaar apart is the sheer scale of its volunteer involvement.
More than 1,000 volunteers bring the event to life, managing logistics, culinary preparations, and cultural stands with remarkable dedication. The organisation has no paid employees, yet it efficiently orchestrates one of Luxembourg’s largest public events.
“There is a lot of energy behind the scenes with support from many enthusiastic people, not only volunteers,” says Moller, adding: “Events like this are rooted in the DNA of this country, people come together, share, and contribute, knowing their actions have tangible impact.”
People often ask about the average donation per visitor, says Moller. “We don’t calculate that because the value of Bazar International is not in a single transaction. It’s in the collective energy, the community spirit, and the real human impact of each contribution.”
Celebrating Diversity and Building Community
The event is much more than a charity fair. It’s a cultural mosaic. Visitors can wander through 60 stands offering handmade crafts, authentic dishes, and traditions from nations as far afield as Venezuela and Uganda. While expatriates form a pillar of the event’s identity, Luxembourgish participants play a central role too, with many stand leaders being local residents.
“Luxembourg can be fragmented,” Moller observes. “During the three days of the bazaar, we create a space where communities meet, share, and collaborate. For some, it’s a home away from home, a moment to celebrate roots while building new connections.”
The Bazar also enjoys recognition at the highest levels. Past editions have welcomed members of the Grand Ducal family, highlighting the event’s social significance and national visibility.
Philanthropy in Action
The impact of Bazar International is tangible and global. One notable project supported by the bazaar is the Thoo Mweh Khee Learning Center in Thailand, which provides education to 1,350 displaced and stateless children. Donations have funded teacher salaries, transportation, and essential facilities like kitchen equipment, preventing potential closure and the associated risks of increased vulnerability.
Other beneficiaries include pediatric oncology programmes in Lithuania, grief support services in Iceland, rural educational initiatives in Africa, and climate education for families affected by environmental challenges. The International Bazaar’s approach is meticulous: all charity proposals undergo a rigorous four-step vetting process, including due diligence, board review, and final approval by the General Assembly of stand leaders.
A Model for Philanthropy in Luxembourg
The International Bazaar exemplifies a philosophy of giving rooted in Luxembourg’s culture: communal, participatory, and generous. While digital platforms and micro-donations are changing the philanthropic landscape globally, the bazaar offers something unique: the human experience of giving, shared and celebrated in person.
“In addition to supporting communities around the world, it plays a very pivotal social role in Luxembourg,” says Moller. “It is fundamental in bringing people together, to have fun and impact, by shopping for a good cause.”
Looking Ahead
With expanded space, smoother visitor flow, sustainable practices, and modern payment options, the International Bazaar continues to grow while maintaining its volunteer-driven ethos. Its trajectory of rising funds, close to a 10% annual increase, ensures that more charities can benefit year by year, reinforcing Luxembourg’s role as a hub of generosity and solidarity.
Discover the next issue of the Luxembourg International Bazaar from 21-23 November.
This piece includes AI-generated text, reviewed and edited by [journalist/editor
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