Iranian festival Shabe-e Yalda was celebrated on the ‘longest and darkest night’ of the year. With the beginning of the winter season, Iranians gathered together at the historical Razzaz Hotel in capital Tehran to eat, drink and read poetry from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Zoorkhaneh, traditional sport of Iran, was also took place during the festival. Ali Jafarnejat, the owner of Razzaz Hotel, said, “Long and dark nights will give way to light and longer sunrises. We see this night as a night of abundance and fertility.” Fruits and nuts were eaten, as well as watermelon and pomegranate, which are particularly significant for Yalda Night.
Iranian families come together on this night, which they believe brings happiness and abundance, and they also give gifts and recite poems to each other.