Welcome Association Italy celebrates Yalda Night: an evening dedicated to Persian culture and intercultural dialogue at Rome’s Mongiovino Theater

Rome, Dec. 20, 2024 - On a cold winter evening, Welcome Association Italy, in collaboration with ISMEO - International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies, welcomed the public to the Mongiovino Theater in Rome for a unique celebration, "The Night of Yalda." This extraordinary event paid homage to the oldest Persian holiday, a symbolic night that marks the rebirth of light after the winter solstice, embodying the universal values of hope, union and regeneration.

With a packed hall and a vibrant energy in the air, the evening began with institutional greetings from Professor Adriano Rossi, President of ISMEO, and Dr. Carlo Palumbo, Deputy Secretary General of Welcome Association Italy. In his remarks, the Deputy Secretary emphasized the importance of Yalda Night not only as a traditional event, but as an opportunity to strengthen intercultural dialogue. "Our association is committed to building bridges between cultures, fostering inclusion and respect for diversity. Today we celebrate not only Persian tradition, but the value of community and sharing," he said in his opening remarks.

The evening continued its course by immersing the audience in an authentic journey into Persian culture, with moments of great emotional impact:

• Live music and performance art: The art group "Iranian Ethnic Cultures," composed of talented artists Parvaneh Amirian, Hasan Ali Tabar and Farahnaz Hashemi Nejad, presented a repertoire that evoked the soul of Persia, interweaving traditional melodies with evocative songs.
• Poetry readings: Poems by Hafez, one of Persia's greatest poets, are declaimed in the original language and translated for Italian audiences, bringing to the stage the tradition of "Hafez's Divination," an age-old custom that invites reflection on the meaning of life.
• Theatrical performances and readings from the Shahnameh: The majestic Persian epic, a symbol of cultural heritage, brought to life on stage through storytelling and musical performances.

The entire evening was designed to create an intimate and symbolic atmosphere that celebrated the beauty of Persian tradition while promoting universal values. The presenter, Dr. Gaudia Sciacca, led the audience with passion, explaining the historical and cultural roots of Yalda Night, while the hall resounded with emotion and applause.

Guests were also invited to share a convivial moment, tasting a traditional Persian dish, prepared in homage to the customs of this celebration. Even this simple gesture underscored the value of togetherness and sharing, cornerstones of Welcome Association Italy's mission.

As Carlo Palumbo mentioned during his speech, participation in the event is part of Welcome Association Italy's broader mission: to foster integration and dialogue between diverse communities through art, culture and the promotion of events that celebrate diversity. "In an increasingly interconnected world, culture becomes a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building bridges. Events like Yalda Night are the perfect example of how traditions can unite us rather than divide us," Palumbo said.

Welcome Association Italy thus continues to work tirelessly to enhance the cultural heritage of the different communities in Italy, promoting mutual respect and dialogue.

The evening ended with one last musical piece and the distribution of small gifts, an additional sign of gratitude for the public's participation. Welcome Association Italy would like to thank all the artists, volunteers and organizers who made this celebration possible, as well as the audience who participated with enthusiasm and warmth.

As they say in Persian, "Shab-e Yalda mobarak," wishing everyone a bright and hopeful night.