UNC Shabeh Yalda Celebration
December 2017

Shabeh Yalda is a Iranian celebration that has traditionally taken place on the night of the Winter Solstice. This is the longest night of the year technically as the sun is out for the least amount of time during the night of the Winter Solstice. Because of this families and friends always gather together and share poems, music, and food on this evening.  

In December of 2017 I took part in a Shabeh Yalda celebration performance with my group members which I danced with in the International Festival of Raleigh. Being involved in a dance group which performs at events frequently taught me much about global leadership. It requires being an ambassador for the purpose your group is attempting to achieve. Many people after performances with my Iranian dance group have approached me and asked me about Persian culture and current events in Iran. These experiences have taught me how to communicate about my culture with others in a way which recognizes that people are inherently curious about other cultures and traditions they are not familiar with.