On the eve of the first day of winter, the winter solstice. Sometime between December 21 and 22, a nocturnal celebration is observed in Iran. It is generally called Yalda, or Shab-e-Chelle, for “chelle” means 40. And Yalda celebration takes place 40 days prior to the Zoroastrian fire festival of Sadeh; according to the Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies. In the Zoroastrian era, people advised to stay awake for most of the night to prevent any bad luck from happening.
What you see
Gather together with a group of actual Iranians to hold the feast of winter arrival and rebirth of the sun. Set the Yalda table with handmade tablecloths, design over the table with different fruits, nuts, snacks and Iranian poem books and Shahnameh. Listen to the stories of ancient Persia and get to know about the national myths. Live a whole long night in a genuine atmosphere and feel like home by sharing your being in the warm Iranian night.
What you discover
- get to hear the Iranian mythical stories
- read best of Iranian poems
- activities and foods of Yalda ceremony in an authentic setting Taste local food