There's a lot more to Afghanistan than war and conflict. There is also literature, music, dance, food, fashion, unique geography and poetry. That's part of the reason the Lower Mainland Afghan community is organizing a celebration of their home country's culture and heritage this coming weekend.
The Afghan Cultural Heritage Day is on Sunday, Sept. 18 at Burnaby's Scandinavian Community Centre, at 6540 Thomas St.
Members of Burnaby's Malalay Afghan Women's Sewing and Crafts Cooperative are helping organize the event.
"This is the first time we show our culture and fashion," said co-op member Leila Akhtary. "(It's) a chance so people know about Afghanistan."
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features speakers, food, fashion and dancing.
"We show the life of nomad people," Akhtary said.
Part of the reason behind the event is to introduce Afghan culture, heritage and values to other Canadians, while building a bridge between the two groups. Organizers also want to promote love, tolerance and tranquility among the Afghan community, which includes people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The festival organizers also want to change the perception some Canadians have about Afghanistan as a country of war to one of values and cultural heritage.
"Afghan people are good people," Akhtary said. "Our children grew up here, and we work. We are part of Canada, but tell people the name of Afghanistan . when they hear it, they are afraid or something. . We are good people. We are citizens here."
Festival organizers, like Akhtary, are hoping to break down misconceptions about their home country.
"We want people to come, and we invite all Canadians. The door is open for everybody. We invite respectable people," she said. "Our idea is for the public to come and see us."
Akhtary said everyone is welcome to attend, and politicians and dignitaries from Burnaby and beyond have been invited.
Admission is free. For more information, go to www.vifas.org.
