San Diego Mayor Recognizes Hazara Culture Day

The Mayor of San Diego in California, Todd Gloria, has officially declared May 19 as “Hazara Culture Day.” He stated that commemorating this day strengthens the sense of belonging and mutual understanding among the city’s diverse communities.

In a statement issued by the mayor’s office, it reads: “Recognizing and celebrating Hazara Culture Day provides an opportunity to promote cultural awareness, inclusion, and unity among all residents of San Diego.”

Todd Gloria added that Hazaras around the world celebrate this day annually by wearing traditional clothes, performing cultural music, and dancing.

Mohammad Jawad Rahimi, a local representative of the Democratic Party, said that a few months ago, he had formally requested the mayor to officially recognize May 19 as Hazara Culture Day.

Rahimi wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page: “Mayor Gloria accepted my proposal and recognized this day as an opportunity to promote cultural awareness, unity, and a sense of belonging in the community.”

According to Rahimi, the joint celebration of Hazara Culture Day allows Hazaras and other refugee communities to come together, celebrate their history, and feel supported and connected in their new communities in San Diego, California, and across the United States.

Following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, a large number of citizens — including many Hazaras — migrated to California, with hundreds settling in San Diego.