In January, the House of Afghanistan became an associate member of the House of Pacific Relations in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Today they held their first cultural lawn program!
The Afghan people have a history that goes back thousands of years. A speech by the Founder and President of the House of Afghanistan, Omed, explained a mission of the organization isn’t merely to archive the past, but to boost a sense of heritage in the present day community.
As their website explains, the House of Afghanistan is working to awaken, document, preserve, and carry forward the philosophical, intellectual, and cultural inheritance of the Afghan people — so future generations inherit more than fragments.
Their first ever lawn program was excellent. All sorts of traditional Afghan food was available, including cream rolls and bolani, a thin, pan-fried flatbread stuffed with various tasty fillings. (Similar to a quesadilla!)
Afghanistan is famous for its pomegranates. Under one canopy pomegranates were being juiced.
Many signs posted around the lawn explained how the Afghan people have contributed to world history. Fun fact: Did you know the first known Afghan in America fought at Gettysburg?
The most inspirational sign concerned how kite flying is one of Afghanistan’s best-known traditional pastimes. The kite operates as a symbol of a resilient people.
In the early afternoon the program took to the International Cottages’ outdoor stage. A contest was held between ladies, to see who could recognize the many spices for which Afghan cuisine is famous.
Soon thereafter, there was the reading of poetry–another thing for which Afghans are famous. Then beautiful singing!
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