The Hazara Cultural Day was celebrated on May 18, 2024, in Helsinki, drawing over 700 participants. The event featured a vibrant showcase of Hazara culture, including speeches, a panel discussion on the EU Parliament elections, music, dance, poetry, photo and film screenings, an exhibition of Hazaragi clothing, and traditional Hazaragi food.
An esteemed lineup of guest speakers and panelists included Pekka Haavisto, Member of the Finnish Parliament and formerMinister of Foreign Affairs; Latif Fayaz, Director of the Hazara Cultural House; Ville Niinistö and Sirpa Pietikäinen, Members of the European Parliament; Inka Hopsu and Pinja Perholehto, Members of the Finnish Parliament; Paavo Arhinmäki, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki; Carina Jaatinen, human rights activist; and Sharif Saiidi, writer and poet. Additionally, Dr. Sima Samar, former General Director of the Afghanistan Human Rights Commission, delivered a speech online.
The celebration also served as an important opportunity to promote multiculturalism and diversity, with attendees from various backgrounds, including migrants from different communities, native Finns from universities, civil society, and organizations, all playing a key role in the event’s success.
