Yalda Night, or Shab-e Yalda, is an ancient Persian festival celebrated on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, usually around December 20 or 21. Families and friends gather to stay awake until after midnight, eating seasonal fruits like pomegranates, watermelons, and nuts, which symbolize health and prosperity. People often recite poems of Hafez, tell stories, and enjoy tea and sweets together. The night represents the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of the sun, carrying themes of hope, warmth, and togetherness as the days begin to grow longer.