PHOTOS: Diplomatic Charity Fair in Budapest drew record attendance

The 12th Diplomatic Charity Fair ended with great success on 19 November, drawing a record number of visitors. This year, the event found a new home at Budapest’s splendid Bálna National Defense Center.

The stated purpose of the fair was to present the diversity of cultures, strengthen cooperation between different nations and bring everybody closer to noble charity causes. Being one of the greatest events in Hungarian diplomatic life, the participating embassies presented their country’s products and handicrafts. Moreover, an array of international cuisines tantalised taste buds with Peruvian sandwiches, Malaysian soup, Korean roast pork and traditional offerings from India, Türkiye and many other countries, as reported by our esteemed media partner HellóMagyar.

The event’s main organiser was the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest (DSB), chaired by Lucila Cimafranca, spouse of the Philippine Ambassador to Hungary. In her opening speech, she acknowledged that our world is far from perfect but urged that “challenges cannot frighten or divide but should encourage us to approach each other in friendship, mutual understanding and compassion.”

Over 30 embassies participated in the charity event

More than 30 embassies participated in the fair. The event provided an opportunity for different cultures to come together for a noble cause and help Hungarian charities.

The main patron of the event, Szilvia Szijjártó-Nagy, the wife of Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said: “By gathering in such a large number, we are expressing a definite message, namely the message of the power of charity. Please appreciate the importance of the fact that people from different parts of the world can unite for a cause and jointly help those in need. We all know that the events of recent years are taking a toll on our country and our nation. So the best thing is if we also set an example and turn to each other with confidence.”

Visitors were treated to a wide array of handmade gifts, jewellery, decorative items, cosmetics, clothes and more.

The three chosen foundations

Cultural stage performances added vibrancy to the fair, offering glimpses into participating nations’ traditions, folk music and dances. Beyond charity, the event fostered international relationships and created a friendly dialogue between cultures, laying the groundwork for future diplomatic development, according to the organisers.

The Diplomatic Charity Fair raised over HUF 8 million (EUR 21,027), aimed at supporting three Hungarian foundations:

1. Együtt Az Autistákért – A foundation supporting initiatives for a more liveable, acceptable and equal world for individuals living with autism.
2. Csodalámpa Foundation – Fulfilling the special wishes of children suffering from incurable diseases.
3. SOS Children’s Villages – Helping children in need in Hungary.

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