Yalda Night in Dallas

December 21, 2016

On December 17, 2016, members of the Iranian-American Community of North Texas (IACNT) gathered to celebrate Yalda, the longest night of the year. Persians have traditionally celebrated this night by reading poetry (Hafez), dancing and singing. Certain fruits are essential to this night. Traditionally, watermelons and pomegranates are served in such gatherings. Old Persians believed that if you could make it through the longest night of the year, you would overcome darkness and coldness of the winter and the sun will shine in the morning. For this reason, people stay up and celebrate darkness to go away!

The weather in Dallas was freezing that night. Perhaps, it was one of the coldest nights of the year. Wind was bellowing at 25 miles per hour, the temperature dropped to freezing and with the wind chill effect it was about 15 degree Fahrenheit. However, inside, where IACNT members gathered, it was a warm and nice environment. Local artists were playing traditional songs and people were dancing and had a wonderful time.

At the end, the IACNT statement in regards to Yalda was read and people wished for the darkness and night to go away from the skies of Iran and the Middle East and the sun to shine once again on the beautiful and rich country of Iran and the entire Middle East.