Handcrafted furniture, carvings, clothes, jewelry, Christmas decorations, artwork and much more — welcome to the 2023 One World Bazaar.
A popular annual event, the 2023 version of One World Bazaar returns to the Bakker family sale barn near Manotick, chock full of thousands of one-of-a-kind, artisanal, individually sourced items that bring the world to Ottawa over eight weekends until Nov. 19.
The bazaar’s mission is to connect artisans from the Global South to North America, empowering thousands by working directly with them, using fair trade practices to provide them with a living wage.
One World Bazaar owner Anneka Bakker personally spent three months last winter hunting for treasures from Thailand, Indonesia and India.
“Being away for so long really allows you to get deep into sourcing, finding yourself in unexpected places, and discovering new products and artisans,” she says in a release. “It allows us to really connect to the space, the people and the handcrafted goods being made.
“We’re so excited for the Indian product that is arriving this season, which will bring a big splash of colour and flair — the pieces are truly enchanting. We also found a few dozen new artisans throughout Bali, Java, Thailand and Mexico.”
India, in particular, was a first-time trip for Bakker, who took over One World Bazaar from her parents, Peggy and Dick, in 2020. The family made the trek to India partly for a family wedding and partly to search for new artisans and products.
“India truly was a feast for the senses,” says Anneka. “It was full of colour, patterns, tastes, sounds, textures and music. It was my first time there and I was completely blown away by the constant energy and endless product on offer. It really is an epicentre for global handicrafts and somewhere that we’ll be frequenting for years to come.”
The family returned with a big door frame from a temple, a rustic bar and sideboard, endless block-printed fabric, brass jewelry and beautiful clothing pieces, she says.
This is the 42nd year for One World Bazaar and this year sees the return of partnerships — and the start of new ones — that offer immersive and educational programming, including:
- Cultural musical performances, food and more from the Indonesian Embassy;
- Indigenous community members offering teachings, vendors, food and a grass dancing performance;
- A weekend of giving and a charity marketplace with several Ottawa charities on site to talk about their mission, as well as use the stage area for performances, talks and a DIY class;
- And the Mexican Embassy and members of the local Mexican community “will be setting up a spectacle unlike anything seen in Ottawa before” for Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Bakker says. “A celebration known for its skulls, La Catrina dolls, elaborate face paint and colourful costumes (it’s) a way to honour and celebrate relatives who have passed.” There will be an altar setup from local artisan Dulce Tapp, a native of Mexico, food trucks and piñatas.
2023 One World Bazaar
When: Friday through Sunday until Nov. 19 (also open Thanksgiving Monday and Thursday, Oct. 12)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Oct. 12, which is open from noon to 7 p.m. and Nov. 11, which is open 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: 6110 Mitch Owens Rd.
Information: oneworldbazaar.ca
