Slovak parishes have a long tradition of Christmas bazaars. It's a great opportunity to purchase typical Slovak goodies - waffles, cakes, pies, poppy seeds strudels, sausages, etc., but also a variety of hand-made objects suitable as Christmas gifts: ceramics, embroidery, Knitted scarves and sweaters, that cannot be found in any 'regular' Canadian store. Proceeds from bazaars are donated as financial support for the church and parish. Thus, Slovaks were able to keep their parishes even when in Canada there is no financial support from the government.
The biggest bazaar is in the Parish of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Mississauga, which is visited by good crowds and is always eagerly awaited.
It was the same this year. In the photos you can see how much preparation and work arrangements is requires to organize a bazaar. It is the Christmas spirit of the volunteers who prepare and donate their time and hard work, including their superb cooking and baking skills. The result was a very successful bazaar, which helped all visitors to get into the Christmas mood.
Merry and Blessed Christmas to all readers from the parishioners in Toronto.
Text and photo: Helen von Friedl
