Gilkhabar\ IRNA: Iranians living in Serbia in a ceremony on Tuesday night celebrated Yalda night which is a very ancient tradition in the Iranian culture

Yalda is a traditional Iranian festival marking the last night of Autumn which is also the longest night of the year

The ceremony in Belgrade was held with Iranians' participation while observing health protocols to ensure safety from COVID-19 pandemic

In this ceremony, the Iranian ambassador to Serbia Rashid Hassnpour said pointed to the ancient roots of Yalda in Iranian tradition, history and culture, and said it was a symbol of love, affection, friendship, life, enlightenment, health and abundance

Hassanpour added that Nowrouz (Iranian  ceremony for the Iranian New Year) and other traditions that are full of human, moral and altruistic themes have  been accepted by Islam, especially the Shiite

He added that Iranians over time have grown to observe and cherish such beautiful, hopeful and uplifting customs

Observance of Yalda by Iranians dates back to some 7,000 years ago. According to existing documents, it has been celebrated at least since 500 B.C. when Cyrus the Great ruled the Persian Empire  

During Yalda night, the Iranian families come together at the house of the elder members of the family and eat red fruits which are symbolic of the Sun and the end of the darkness