Folklore, gastronomy and handicrafts from forty countries of the world will come together tomorrow Saturday at the 24th Diplomatic Solidarity Bazaar, also known as the Embassy Kermés, which will be held at the Hotel InterContinental Madrid from 12.30 to 20.00 hours.
Queen Sofia will preside over the inauguration of this unique charity event in the morning, organised by the International Association of Diplomats in Spain (AIDE), an association that brings together every year a large number of embassies that seek to showcase their culture, gastronomy and crafts with a single purpose: solidarity with disadvantaged, sick and people in difficult situations. This year, the money raised will be donated to the Queen Sofia Foundation’s Food Bank projects.
AIDE was created in 1984 by a group of diplomats and their spouses, and has a long history of commitment to charities in Spain. Under the honorary presidency of Queen Sofia, the association has organised 23 diplomatic charity bazaars and 15 gala dinners. AIDE has always been a strong supporter of the Queen’s humanitarian efforts, donating funds each year to projects of the Queen Sofia Foundation. At the Kermés in 2014, 2016 and 2018, thanks to the large and generous participation of the people of Madrid, AIDE was able to allocate more than 60,000 euros in donations.
The Solidarity Bazaar returns after a five-year break in Madrid, its organisation relies solely on the work of volunteers and the constant and generous support of Spanish and international companies, as well as the presence of the majority of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Spain. Visiting the Bazaar is an occasion and the ideal setting to be able to go shopping and stroll around the world in a single day and in a single place, to enjoy a fun day at the confluence of so many cultures, colours and flavours, but above all, visiting the Bazaar means supporting those who most need the help of solidarity.