Yalda

Yalda Night is the longest night of the year between sunset on December 21st, the last day of autumn until sunrise on December 22nd, the first day of winter, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, people in Iran celebrate Yalda in a form of an overnight family gathering. Yalda has been one of the holy nights from ancient Iran, included in the official calendar of the ancient Iranians from 502 BC. The celebration is all about honoring the slow return of daylight as the shortest day of the year comes to an end. Like any good celebration, food plays a vital role.

Traditionally, people prepared festive fruits such as pomegranate, watermelon, persimmon, medlar, dried fruits, and nuts. Additionally, sweets like Persian Baklava or Baslogh are very common items on Yalda. Moreover, during Yalda, what stands out the most is the warmth and coziness of the korsi, a pot of hot charcoals placed under a knee-high table. The table is then covered with a giant thick quilt, creating a toasty nighttime refuge for the entire family. Parents and children could easily spend the entire night around the korsi, chatting, eating, and sleeping.

Duration: From December 21st to December 22nd

Location: Iran