Fiesta World Craft Bazaar is back live for 2021! Grab your “vaccine” passport and mask and let’s go travelling.
“This is our 29th year and we are showcasing the world with distinctive handcrafted fair trade products from Asia, Africa, Central and South America,” said Dave Talbot. “For two days, on Saturday and Sunday Nov. 20th and 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you will be able to wander through a global bazaar in the Conference Hall of the Filberg Center.
Due to COVID restrictions, the 2020 Fiesta World Craft Bazaar was restricted to an online version.
Talbot said it will be great to return to the regular format, albeit with all COVID protocols in place.
“It has been a long two years and when the world seems to be going crazy and the rain won’t stop, Fiesta arrives like sunshine, a breath of warm air that floats in from around the world,” he said. “You will find something for everyone on your list, from toys to carpets, from yak shawls to handcrafted cards.”
In addition to local participants, there will be vendors from the Lower Mainland, Victoria, and up the Island. There will be stores that source products from around the world or individuals who are selling items from a particular country and community.
“It will make you feel good to know that you are giving a hand up to people who have been greatly impacted by the pandemic,” said Talbot. “Most of them rely on tourism to sell their wares and travel has come to a halt. They are so grateful that Fiesta is back in business and giving them an opportunity to sell their creations.
Many of the vendors are volunteers and have direct contact with the artisans and their families. Mondo and Company from Saltspring Island will have many tables of clothing, housewares, Christmas ornaments, cards and so much more.
Mystic Lotus from Parksville offers wool and felt clothing and slippers from Nepal.
Nanaimo Global Village has years of experience in supporting fair-trade co-operatives in dozens of countries.
Louise of Aldea Maya offers the opportunity to give an alternative gift this Christmas. She is selling cards created in a classroom here on the Island that, when purchased, will help a family in Chuk Muk, Guatemala send their children to school.
Linda of Batiqua has a wide array of modern designs on pillow covers from Zimbabwe.
“The amazing Glacier Grannies have two years’ worth of creations to choose from, one of my favourites is the felted song birds,” said Talbot.
The local refugee support group will be selling its popular heat sacs and L’Arche will have a tasty selection of soups and beautiful candles.
“We have a number of new vendors,” added Talbot. “Cashmere Crafts from Northern India will surprise you with their flamboyant wall hangings and carpets. Just wait until you see the telephone wire baskets from South Africa, the felted animals from Peru, the elegant scarves and beaded hummingbirds from Guatemala, and… OK, that gives you a start! As you can imagine Fiesta is a special time and place, a coming together, and many will have contributed to its success, and that can include you!
Provincial health protocols will be followed; COVID passports and accompanying ID will be needed in order to attend.
“Fiesta will be colourfully decorated and the smiles will be wide and the world will come together for fun and fair trade,” said Talbot. “Sisters Janette and Lorena will be serving up El Salvadorean pupusas out of their Pupusaria food truck.”
For more information, visit Fiestaworldcraftbazaar.org. where you can also shop online.