Persian Cultural Society at UVA
ABOUT THE PERSIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY
Formed in the spirit of cultural awareness, community, and intellectual pursuits.
Persian Cultural Society (PCS) is an active organization dedicated to expanding the horizons of Iranian customs, poetry, language, and hospitality. We wish to engage the community around us in productive dialogues and show the true, beautiful colors of a vibrant culture.
Our organization is an outlet for all members of the community, including Iranians, to meet others from different backgrounds and to create a lasting impact in the perspectives of our peers. Events we host are a medium for all members to express their artistic, comedic, poetic, and recreational interests. We furthermore seek to promote the events pertaining to notable Persians around us and to publicize their achievements.
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Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
/ EMBRACEMENT OF CULTURE
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Iran has sprouted an ancient and rich culture that we carry with us to every end of the globe. Here it has made its way to the University of Virginia, and we want to share our culture of love, art, poetry, and friendship with all of our peers. It has instilled within us a passion for the beauty in life, as we read in the works of Khayyam and Saadi. It has instilled within us a love for musicality, as we hear in the powerful vocalisms of Shajarian. It has brought us together in the form of lasting friendships and relationships that give us reason to share our experiences.
/ TRADITION OF DIVERSITY
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We believe in giving a voice to those minorites in our community that might feel alienated or out of place. In our experience we understand what it might be like to be away from home, or to feel out of place, and we set out to bring about the comfort of comunity to those who seek it.
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/ SCHOLARSHIP
In virtue of our presence in an academic institution we seek to promote and make known the various courses that pertain to persian culture and Iran. UVA has a wonderful Persian program with passionate professors and great students from many backgrounds. We encourage everybody to consider taking a course in persian or on Iran to broaden their intellectual horizon.
OUR TRADITIONS
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/ PCS APPLE PICKING AT CARTER'S MOUNTAIN
Each fall we get together and head over to Carter's Mountain for a fun morning of hot apple cider, hot donuts, and delicious apples. This has always been considered one of the our most fun events, especially if you love donuts and scenic views. Don't be hesitant to hop on board with us during our yearly trip!
/ SHABE YALDA
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Our biggest event of the fall semester is Shabe Yalda, a celebration marking the coming of the winter solstice. We typically host this a couple weeks before the true date of Yalda to accomodate for exam schedules and winter break. Our events feature poetry, skits, dances, speakers, and delicious free food! Members are all encouraged to participate in the event and each year we see it developing into something more and more amazing.
/ IRAN DAY -- NOROOZ SHOW
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Persian New Year, Nowrooz, is upon us in the spring and it marks the biggest date on the Iranian calendar. This is by far our most exciting day of the year and it attracts large audiences to watch our wonderful performances and come together to make the most of our joyous holiday. From our Baba Karam dances to our juicy kabobs, Iran Day leaves nobody dissatisfied and makes for some memorable evenings!