Diplomatic Charity Bazaar in Budapest raises over EUR 26k at largest public diplomacy event – video
The 14th Diplomatic Charity Bazaar in Budapest filled the iconic Budapest Bálna on Sunday, bringing together diplomats, locals, and international visitors for Hungary’s largest public diplomacy event. Organised by the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest, this year’s fair welcomed 38 countries, 29 national stalls, 21 international food booths, and more than 60 exhibitors in total — creating a one-day global cultural showcase in the heart of the city.
Running from 10:00 to 16:00 with a symbolic HUF 1,000 entry fee, the event offered an accessible, colourful, and charitable experience for thousands of attendees.
Over HUF 10 million (EUR 26k) raised in one day
The fair once again demonstrated the strength of Budapest’s diplomatic community: more than HUF 10 million was raised in just a few hours. The proceeds will support charitable initiatives helping vulnerable groups in Hungary.
The main organiser, Mrs Vanida Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand, described the event as “a wonderful success,” emphasising the joy she and her fellow organisers felt in bringing the international community together for a good cause.
Daily News Hungary & Helló Magyar present – Supporting the cause
Daily News Hungary and Helló Magyar hosted a joint table at the fair, engaging with readers, diplomats, and Budapest residents throughout the day. Our team also actively contributed to the fundraising efforts.
One of the high-value raffle prizes this year was a sponsored content package offered by Daily News Hungary — a unique addition to the charity raffle that attracted significant attention.
A cultural journey around the world: all inside the Bálna
Visitors were treated to a lively stage programme featuring performances from various countries, showcasing traditional music, dance, and cultural expressions. This year’s motto — “Looking at all the cultures in one day, shopping all over the world in one day” — truly came alive.
The venue’s food courtyard was one of the fair’s most popular attractions, offering the chance to taste dishes from across the globe at exceptionally friendly prices. From Asian street food to Middle Eastern sweets, Latin American favourites, and European classics, the food stalls created a vibrant culinary map of the world.
At the national stalls, guests browsed handcrafted items, traditional textiles, jewellery, cultural souvenirs, and delicacies — making the bazaar feel like a one-day world tour.
Diplomacy made accessible
What sets the Diplomatic Charity Fair apart is its open, welcoming nature. Ambassadors, diplomats, families, students, expats, and locals all mingled freely, turning the Bálna into a lively international meeting point. For many visitors, it was a rare and inspiring opportunity to meet diplomatic representatives in an informal setting while experiencing the diversity of nations present in Budapest.
A successful day for charity and cultural exchange
This year’s Diplomatic Charity Bazaar proved once again that Budapest is home to a vibrant, generous, and globally connected community. With its impressive fundraising total and joyful atmosphere, the event highlighted the power of international collaboration for a meaningful cause.
This year’s main beneficiaries of the event are the Egymásért Gemma Sports Association, the Dévai Szent Ferenc Foundation, and the Szolnoki Kézműves Körért és a Tisza-mente Népművészetéért Foundation.
Daily News Hungary and Helló Magyar were proud to participate — and we look forward to supporting this important diplomatic tradition again next year.
