The “Hazara Culture Day” festival was held for the first time with the participation of the leader of a government, in the city of Järvenpää, Finland.
The festival took place on Sunday (31 May), hosted by the Hazara Cultural House in Finland and attended by officials of the Finnish government.
Petteri Orpo, the Prime Minister of Finland, referred in his speech to some of the cultural values of the Hazara community and their similarities with the culture of the Finnish people and the policies of the Finnish government.
He said: “The Hazara community has always placed great value on education. We know that Hazaras were among the first groups in Afghanistan to advocate for girls’ access to education. This is highly meaningful and valuable because education and equality are among the values that are also of great importance to Finland.”
Addressing the Hazaras, the Finnish Prime Minister said: “I believe there is enormous potential and capability within your community. You are welcome in Finland, and you have a role in building our shared future. For that, I thank you.”
Praising the organization of the festival, he added: “Today’s program demonstrates that language, dialect, religion, music, literature, clothing, and art are all elements that shape identity. These are part of what makes each of us who we are. These values become even more significant when a person lives far from their roots, relatives, and homeland.”
Latif Fayaz, President of the Hazara Cultural House in Finland, said that Hazaras have traveled a difficult and painful historical path to reach this point.
He stated that “throughout history, Hazaras in Afghanistan have faced discrimination, oppression, and massacres.”
He thanked the Finnish government and people for welcoming Hazaras with open arms.
Fayaz added: “Today, Hazaras consider Finland their home, and ‘peaceful coexistence with different cultures’ is one of the cultural characteristics of the Hazara people.”
Pirjo and Jenni, deputy mayors of Järvenpää, said that Hazaras are an active part of Finland’s multicultural society.
In a joint message, they stated that Finnish Hazaras actively participate in social affairs, and their organizations encourage community members to take part in local elections and voting.
The festival also showcased Hazara history, art, and music.
A picture of the Bamiyan Buddha, created by Nasrullah Paik, was presented to the Prime Minister of Finland as a gift.
Shayda and Lina, two young girls dressed in traditional Hazara clothing, recited poetry.
Elaha Soroor performed live music, creating a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere that was warmly received by guests and participants.
Hafiz Habibi and Shaheen Sahar performed traditional Hazara folk songs.
In one segment of the program, young women and men wearing traditional Hazara clothing walked onto the stage, displaying not only the styles of dress but also the delicate craftsmanship of Hazara women, demonstrating how beautiful garments are created through intricate needlework and embroidery.
At the same time, exhibitions of traditional foods, paintings, and local Hazara clothing were held on the sidelines of the festival and attracted significant interest from participants.
“Hazara Culture Day” is an occasion dedicated to celebrating the culture of Hazaras around the world. It has been observed annually on May 19 since 2017.
However, the occasion has now grown into a global celebration, commemorated throughout the month of May in various cities across Asia, Europe, America, and Australia.
So far, several government institutions, local councils, and arts organizations in Pakistan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries have officially recognized Hazara Culture Day.
For the first time in the decade since Hazara Culture Day began being celebrated, Hazaras in Finland succeeded in bringing the leader of their host government to attend the festival.
Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, is the first head of government ever to attend a Hazara Culture Day festival as a guest.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
