Commemoration of May 19: Hazara Culture Day
Hazara citizens of Afghanistan across the world commemorated May 19 as Hazara Culture Day by organizing cultural and artistic events. This day, unofficially marked in Afghanistan’s calendar, has become a symbol of the Hazara people's identity, resilience, and cultural resistance.
Hazaras residing in Germany, Australia, Pakistan, and Canada celebrated the day with traditional music performances, Hazara dances, poetry readings, displays of handicrafts, and local foods.
Meanwhile, members of other Afghan ethnic groups showed solidarity by wearing traditional Hazara clothing and sharing photos and messages on social media, describing the day as a symbol of unity, cultural solidarity, and resistance.
The National Council of Sunni Hazaras of Afghanistan also issued an official statement, recognizing May 19 as a symbol of unity among the Hazara community and emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring their cultural heritage.
Hazara Culture Day was first proposed and introduced on May 19, 2017, by Fatima Atef, a Hazara cultural activist, in Pakistan. Since 2019, its commemoration has expanded globally, serving as a reflection of cultural resilience and a stand against historical erasure.
