The University of Westminster has hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Yalda Night celebration, marking its second year as part of the World in Westminster series. The ancient Iranian tradition, celebrating the winter solstice and the triumph of light over darkness, brought together students, colleagues and community members to share in its warmth and joy.
Yalda Night, historically celebrated in Iran and neighbouring countries, is a time when families and friends gather to enjoy poetry, storytelling and delicious food while welcoming the rebirth of the sun. At Westminster, this spirit of togetherness was beautifully reimagined, with attendees coming together to honour the season, learn about Iranian culture and strengthen the bonds of the University’s diverse community.
Taking place on 11 November, guests entered a transformed venue glowing with flickering candlelight and tables adorned with symbolic foods, such as pomegranates, nuts and watermelon—staples of a traditional Yalda celebration. The event included performances that captivated the audience and highlighted the richness of Iranian culture. From music and dance to poetry readings, each moment added depth and meaning to the evening.
Traditional Iranian cuisine was a major highlight of the night, with guests raving about the variety of authentic dishes like Ash-e-Reshteh, Khashk Bademjan and Saffron Sharbat that provided a culinary journey into the heart of the Yalda celebration.
Maryam Seyedsalehi, the International Student Support Champion and one of the lead organisers of the event, said: “Last night felt like a candle to me radiating warmth, light and hope. The warmth came from the laughter of students, colleagues and guests, as they shared moments around the Korsi, a traditional Iranian table. The light shone through the beautiful performances, a dance and poetry reading that retold the story of Yalda, singers who filled the air with folkloric Iranian folkloric songs with traditional instruments such as Daf and Oud. The sight of attendees dancing together made the whole night even more unforgettable for me.
“And then, there was hope, hope in gathering near the longest night of the year to celebrate that light always triumphs, and the days will now grow longer from now on. It was emotional for me to see all the different cultures of Iran, from Kurds to Turks and Persians and others, come together and share that with other cultures from all around the world. This is what makes our University beautiful, this diversity!”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability Professor Dibyesh Anand, who co-chairs the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee and leads of the World in Westminster series, said: “Many people in Britain don’t know about Yalda; we learnt about it from our Iranian students. Recognising the importance of this festival for many in Iranian, Kurdish and Afghani communities, we were keen to learn, celebrate and enjoy. Yalda is about hope, sharing kindness and reaffirming commitment to life. It fits with our University’s ethos of celebrating pluralities and enhancing belonging for each and every person. We also welcomed communities in London for whom this is an important festival.”
Heliya Almasi, a Tourism Management BA Honours student, said: “After a long time, I finally felt a genuine sense of belonging, enveloped in warmth and understanding. As a Persian, I take great pride in my rich heritage and identity, each facet intricately woven into the fabric of who I am. I find inspiration in the remarkable friends around me, who, despite being miles away from their homelands, carry their stories like vibrant banners, never losing sight of their roots. Their pride and dignity radiate with strength and grace, lighting up any room they enter. Witnessing their deep connection to their traditions and culture has filled my life with hope and light, serving as a beautiful reminder of the importance of resilience and unity.”
The University of Westminster aims to create meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural appreciation, fostering an environment where light, hope and community shine brightly, like on Yalda Night.
Bringing the community together at events such as this directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about upcoming EDI events at the University of Westminster and follow the World in Westminster series on Twitter and Instagram for updates and highlights from upcoming events.
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