For 21 years Fiesta World Craft Bazaar has been bringing smiles, goodwill and connections between global artisans, non-profit and business vendors, and the people of the Comox Valley. Last year over 2000 smiling people shopped for unique, quality, handcrafted gifts that were brought to the Valley from around the world.
On Saturday Nov. 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 17th from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. vendors from the length of the Island and the mainland will again present Canada's largest fair trade global craft fair.
The Bazaar will cover the world with over 110 tables across both floors of the Filberg Centre. There really is something for everyone on your list, including you! It is always exciting to introduce new vendors to the Valley. One Leaf Creations from Vancouver will bring exquisite handmade Himalayan knitwear and traditional Tibetan shawls, throws, and blankets. The Gaddi people of Himachal Pradesh are incredibly accomplished when it comes to creating garments from the wool of their sheep.
One Leaf Creations also sells ethically created and eco-friendly handcrafted leather works. Their one of a kind bags, belts and purses are made by small family groups in the desert state of Rajastan in western India.
FIESTA is honoured to be hosting human rights worker Julio Cochoy, and showcasing beautiful fairly traded jewellery from the Maya Skills Women's Cooperative of Guatemala.
Julio is the founder of the cooperative and author of "Voices Breaking the Silence of Utitlan". Have a talk about with Julio and learn about the process of healing that he and his community are undertaking to deal with their traumatic past.
We will also be welcoming Shannan Brown of Victoria.
Shannan is the volunteer project coordinator for a women's micro finance project called Bridge to Africa.
It is located in Moshi, Tanzania near Mt. Kilimanjaro. The project is selling brightly coloured Tanzanian fabric, carry bags for e-readers and yoga mats, small purses, aprons, jewellery and more.
Also new this year is The Gathering Place, a family owned business from Cortes Island that has been selling superior quality organic herbal teas from South Africa and 14 different organic spices from family farms in India. They also have Antarctic pure sea salt, sea salt with kelp, and sea salt with organic pepper.
FIESTA DOES HAVE VARIETY!
As you wander around the bazaar you will be amazed at the creativity and the talent of those who are often the marginalized peoples of the globe. Tabitha Handcraft Project will be back at Fiesta.
They are working to preserve the culture and customs of the Karen tribe of North East Thailand. They are enabling the women to stay in their homes and earn a sustainable income, making everything from functional backpacks to superb silver jewellery.
Rocks Bejewelled, of Campbell River, creates stunning wire wrap jewellery using sterling silver and gold filled wire. Small World Imports out of Duncan will again lay out gorgeous Tibetan carpets. Teachaiti will be selling bright beautiful necklaces in order to keep kids in school in Haiti.
The ever-popular 10000 Villages Store will bring a truck load of wonders from their store in Victoria, carvings, ornaments, toys, musical instruments, fair trade food products, and so much more. They will be accepting Credit and Debit Cards.
The group Scarves to Stoves will dazzle you with colourful Guatemalan scarves, and all profits go to buying more environmentally friendly stoves for Mayan villagers.
There really is something for every pocket book, from hacky sacks to bedspreads. Bring your children to do their own shopping and then let them have fun and get their faces painted in the childcare area with the youth from the Interact Clubs of Vanier, Highland and Isfeld Secondary Schools. These dedicated youth contribute so much to the world and our Valley.
There will also be opportunities for you to buy an alternative or living gift to give at Christmas.
Africa Community Technical Services (ACTS) will be selling chickens, goats and gardens, Aldea Maya supports Students in Guatemala, Help the Aged sponsors the elderly who need a hand in a number of countries.
You can support our own Valley programs that make a wonderful difference, such as Art Cards out of the Courtenay Rec. Centre, L'Arche will have its delicious soups, cards, calendars and a new stocking stuffer, chocolate cake in a mug! Many people over the years have enjoyed visiting the Poster Room at FIESTA.
Posters from the Syracuse Cultural Workers in New York cover can present a meaningful message and beautiful piece of art; there is something for all ages. New Internationalist calendars and cookbooks, Amnesty International cards, bumper stickers, and buttons, Fiesta has it all. Including Western Canada's largest selection of Cooperative Board Games.
You will find all your favourite vendors and will be able to pick up some soothing shea butter products from Ba, a hammock from Greg, or a silk scarf from Lynda. The world is wonderful! Of course Fiesta is also about food. We have Central and South America covered, your lunch can include empanadas, pupusas, tacos, sumptuous soup, and Asian delights. The local Land Trust will again tempt you with their decadent desserts and beverages. The Small Tea Cooperative will be selling real Indian chai! So bring your smiles, remember Fiesta is now two days, and is all about fun, fair trade and food.
Admission is $2, and the venue wheelchair accessible.
Visit our website at www.fiestafairtradefair.org to learn more about our artisans and vendors and to watch our promotional video, and like us on Facebook at Fiesta World Craft Bazaar.
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