Yalda is the longest night of the year, and it has been celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, among others, for thousands of years. Common traditions associated with Yalda include storytelling, reciting poetry, and eating pomegranates, watermelon, dried fruits, and nuts.

This year, Middle Eastern Cultural Programs has collaborated with the Iranian Cultural Organization of UConn to hold a Yalda celebration at the Biology/Physics building lobby on December 20 from 7 pm to 9 pm. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions in place, those interested in attending this event must register electronically through a link.

https://uconntact.uconn.edu/event/7653477

COVID-19 regulations, such as wearing a mask and social distancing, must be followed at all times during the event.