The Bazar International de Luxembourg: Where the World Comes Together

As winter lights begin to twinkle across Luxembourg, one event reliably marks the start of the festive season — the Bazar International de Luxembourg. Each year, the Luxexpo halls burst into colour, flavour and sound as thousands of visitors wander between stalls representing more than sixty nations. There’s food from every corner of the globe, handmade crafts, and a palpable sense of joy — all made possible by an extraordinary network of volunteers.

Next year, this much-loved institution celebrates its 60th anniversary, a milestone that underlines not just its longevity but its remarkable spirit. The Bazar is the largest charitable fair in the Grand Duchy, and a reflection of Luxembourg’s own cultural fabric — diverse, open, and deeply community-minded.

While visitors delight in discovering new dishes and traditions, the bazar’s mission remains rooted in generosity. Each year, it raises funds for around 100 charities worldwide, chosen and carefully evaluated by members. This year’s main beneficiary, Nepal – Free A Girl, supports the rescue and rehabilitation of young women who have survived exploitation. Beyond its annual projects, the bazar also offers rapid relief in times of crisis through its Fonds d’Aide Humanitaire d’Urgence, created in 2010 for its 50th anniversary.

The story of the Bazar International begins humbly in 1960, when members of the Anglican Church of Luxembourg — then known as the English Speaking Protestant Church Community — decided to host a small fundraising event. Held at the Château Collart in Dommeldange, the first bazar raised 10,000 francs for a local orphanage. The warmth and goodwill it inspired quickly turned a local initiative into an international tradition.

By 1961, the bazar had grown into a truly global affair, held under the joint patronage of the American and British ambassadors and staffed by volunteers of many nationalities. Its growing reputation soon reached the Grand Ducal Court, and in the early 1960s it came under the patronage of Grand Duchess Joséphine Charlotte — today continued by HRH Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

A turning point came in 1962, when organizers joined forces with an Italian bazar taking place on the same day. The following year, stands representing eight countries — Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain and the United States — united for a shared cause: raising funds for the UN FAO’s global campaign La Lutte Contre la Faim. From that moment, the event truly lived up to its name: international.

Over the decades, the bazar expanded, welcoming countries from every continent and moving to the Luxexpo Foire in 1972, where it continues to flourish. Today, alongside the food and artisanal stands, visitors can browse second-hand books, clothing and handmade accessories — a blend of charity and charm that feels both timeless and fresh.

Sixty years on, the Bazar International de Luxembourg remains more than a market or fundraiser. It is a living celebration of culture and compassion — a reminder that in coming together, we not only share who we are, but help shape a kinder world.

This year’s edition will be held from 21st – 23rd November 2025.