Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Lithuania joins International Christmas Charity Fair

More than 30 countries and several international schools gathered at the International Christmas Charity Fair in Vilnius, organized by the International Women's Association of Vilnius.

The pavilion of Azerbaijani Embassy in Lithuania showcased national dishes, sweets, drinks, souvenirs, carpets, kalaghai shawls, books, booklets about the country.

Alma Adamkienė, wife of the former Lithuanian president, Janina Butkevičienė, wife of the Prime Minister and mayor of Vilnius Remigijus Šimašius visited the Azerbaijani pavilion. The Embassy of Azerbaijan made a significant contribution to the common charity fund.

The opening took place shortly before noontime in the presence of Janina Butkevičienė, the patron of the International Christmas Charity Fair. Former President Valdas Adamkus and Mrs. Adamkienė were also present, toured the fair, and listened to a selection of delightful Christmas carols presented by Viva, a female choir directed by Diana Zarembienė. Mrs. Alma Adamkienė was the Honorary Ambassador for the event. This year's co-chairs Benita Guillaume, the Chairwoman of the International Women's Association of Vilnius, and Ms. Letizia Taliani de Marchio, wife of the Italian Ambassador in Vilnius, thanked all of the volunteers, embassies and international schools for their contribution to the success of the fair.

More than 5,000 visitors and shoppers and a small army of volunteers ensured that the thirteenth edition became a successful charity event. The Christmas Fair benefits a number of senior homes and children's organizations in Vilnius.

The Fair started 13 years ago under the leadership of Rosemaria Schwarzinger, the wife of the Austrian Ambassador to Lithuania, and together with Birutė Vizgirdienė and Gunilla Possenius they laid the groundwork of the successful yearly event.

The proceeds from the sale will be distributed among dozens of charities.