Enoma
History
Zalityu experienced a drought between the years 623-625. It was so severe that a large number of people starved to death. The ruling Emperor at the time bankrupted the country in the attempts to bring in enough food and water from Telvan and Doval to keep the Zalites alive. This was supplemented with what they could fish from the Maiden and Great Mother rivers, but eventually the water level dropped too low to do so.
When the rains finally came, it rained for three days straight. Zalites sat in the open, letting the rain fall on them.
The following year, in 626, the Emperor declared that there would be a festival held every year so that none would forget the hardships and losses the people faced during the drought.
Execution
It began as a quiet affair, remembering the drought and the lives lost to a lack of food and water. As the years moved on it became more optimistic. It's the one time of the year when Zalites enjoy conversation with their food contrary to their standard cultural view that food is best enjoyed quietly and that conversation should be reserved for after.
The festival is held on the 53rd day of Spring and begins with a prayer of thanks to the Earth Lord.
The traditional food eaten at this festival is a round, flat griddle cake. This was the most commonly eaten food during the drought as it was easy to prepare and nutritious. A family could make a large batch of them and eat for days if they were stored properly. They are also a traditional Zalite dish as they are white on the inside, a colour representative of the Earth Lord. Some cooks add berries to their batter for variety and flavour, other stalls offer different toppings.
In addition to the cakes, drinks are a very important component. The prayer is always followed by a symbolic drink of water. Flavoured waters are sold throughout the festival as are a variety of wines and ciders.
Fish dishes are sometimes seen at these events, though these are regional variations and only seen in areas along the rivers.
While the day long festival is primarily focused on the food, there are some entertainments that take place. Foot races, water hauling, dancing, stone tossing, fishing contests (regional), and story telling.
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