Either the pre-holiday merriment has developed into a pandemic or the magic word charity has taken on a special allure, but the ninth charity bazaar organized in the Sports Palace under the aegis of the Women’s International Club in Kyiv drew a crowd. Long before the opening those most impatient lined up in front of the Palace’s glass doors with their eyes glued to the preparations in progress. And it was a view not to be missed. Representatives from 25 countries displayed their traditional foods and handicraft and spouses of these countries’ ambassadors to Ukraine were promoting them. Despite the fact that nothing exotic was on sale, as incense and jewelry are not a rarity in Ukraine, and the art of ikebana has been mastered by whole schools, to buy it at Petrivka, Kyiv’s famous flea market, and from a real Indian sporting a sari, a Japanese who mastered the art of origami at an early age proved to be an unmatched experience. However, the national culinary art was in the center of attention, in fact, the drawing card of the bazaar. Since one could partake of the South African samosa for a mere hryvnia and a half, prices for Eastern sweets varied between one and four hryvnias, Indian donuts of banana dough and various fancy rice dishes cost as much. Amid multifarious costumes, ample edibles, and extolling (Russian girls sporting Orenburg kerchiefs and kokoshniks, traditionally worn by women in old Russia, excelled at this) the Ukrainian stand remained somewhat in the background. But this is not surprising, since this time the national color was not at its best. Canned fish, sunflower oil, and pickled tomatoes were sold as the nation’s pride’ topped by Coca Cola as a traditional Ukrainian beverage. In addition to dazzling stands, the charity bazaar featured entertainment for children. While parents were engrossed in the exposition, their offspring aided by craftsmen made New Year presents for them and won prizes in contests organized by the Women’s International Club. Incidentally, proceeds from the sale will go to underprivileged Ukrainians as well as hospitals and children’s communities.
