Karachi ushered in the festive season with a vibrant and inclusive Christmas Market, held at the Alliance Française de Karachi. The one-day event successfully merged the charm of traditional European holiday markets with a uniquely Pakistani spirit, attracting large and enthusiastic crowds from across the metropolis.
A Celebration of Community and Local Talent
The venue was beautifully decorated in classic Christmas colors of red, white, and gold, setting a joyful scene. The air was filled with music from live performances by Nixar Records, the St Anthony’s Choir, and The In Time Band. Storyteller Nida Farid captivated both children and adults with a reading of The Extraordinary Life of Riz.
Food stalls offered an impressive culinary journey, ranging from classic Christmas turkey and cinnamon rolls to local favorites like pani puri and birria tacos. Families enjoyed activities such as Santa’s Treasure Hunt, Christmas crafts, mehndi, and Pot-A-Plant.
Empowering Survivors and Showcasing Craftsmanship
Beyond the festivities, the market served as a powerful platform for social enterprise and local artisans. A notable stall belonged to Genesis, a shelter for girls who have survived forced conversions and early marriages. Representative Sijal Shafique explained their mission to The Express Tribune: "We’ve launched a small brand for these girls. They were once victims, but today they are survivors. They create handicrafts to earn independently, regain confidence, and support their families."
Shafique highlighted the event's inclusive nature, noting, "The beauty is that although the organiser is Muslim, minorities are welcomed here with open arms. People were singing carols together without any discrimination."
Event organiser Irum shared the market's origins, rooted in the resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Most businesses here were launched during Covid by women. There’s nothing imported; everything is local, handmade, and authentically Pakistani," she stated.
Inclusivity at Its Core
The market's commitment to inclusion was evident in its diverse participants. The transgender community had a dedicated space, as they do not have their own church. Organizations like 'Jhankar', which runs an ambulance service for animals, also had a presence. Stalls from the Pakistan Navy’s Special Children’s School displayed items made with astonishing skill, while artisans from Thar, like Sunita and Sangeeta, showcased traditional crafts.
Anand Kumar from Tharparker presented a unique line of hoodies embedding traditional ralli patchwork into modern designs. "We’ve recently launched the collection from Karachi and are now expanding to Islamabad and Lahore," he said.
Irum, the organiser, emphasized the market's true goal: to support local small businesses and women. Visitors expressed joy at seeing Karachi embrace such global traditions, which enrich the city's cultural tapestry and promote harmony across all religions and communities.
