On 31 July, the Luminous Lantern Parade brought together thousands of people from communities across Queensland to celebrate Multicultural Queensland Month and the rich cultural diversity that makes our state such a vibrant and welcoming place.
The parade is a celebration of culture, community and belonging, bringing people from different backgrounds together through music, performances, lanterns, stories and shared experiences. It is an opportunity to recognise the many cultures that contribute to the social and cultural fabric of Queensland.
This year, Afghan communities in Brisbane came together to proudly represent Afghanistan at the parade. The Hazara Association of Queensland (HAQ) joined a number of Afghan community associations under the flag of Afghanistan, showcasing our shared heritage and the strong community connections that continue to grow across Brisbane and Queensland.
Walking together, we celebrated Afghan culture and traditions while also highlighting the strong bonds between our Afghan-Australian communities and the broader Australian community. It was a meaningful opportunity for Hazara communities in Brisbane and other Afghan communities to stand together, share our identity and contribute to Queensland’s multicultural story.
Events like the Luminous Lantern Parade remind us that multiculturalism is strengthened when communities come together, learn from one another and celebrate both our differences and the values we share.
The Hazara Association of Queensland is proud to stand alongside Afghan and other multicultural communities in Brisbane and across Queensland in promoting diversity, inclusion, friendship and belonging.
Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered and represented our community. Your presence helped make the evening a memorable celebration of Afghan culture, community, unity and friendship in Brisbane.