VICTORIA – Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on Yalda:

“Winter solstice, also the longest night of the year, is a time for people from Afghan, Azeri, Iranian, Kurdish, Tajik and Uzbek communities in British Columbia and around the world to celebrate Yalda.

“Friends and family will gather to ward off darkness while welcoming a new day and the beginning of longer daylight. They will tell stories and recite poetry, while sharing foods such as watermelon and pomegranate, the red signifying the colour of a new dawn. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, and the hopefulness of brighter days ahead.

“It is also a time to cherish our loved ones and celebrate hope and optimism.

“I wish all those celebrating Yalda a wonderful evening of joy.

“Shab-e Yalda Mobarak!”