Dujelamin

History

Dujelamin began as an effort by the Teraki government to encourage unity among its diverse citizens. Though many ascribed to Teraco's idea of unity in theory, practice is often more difficult, and those who were assimilated through conquest weren't fond of their neighbors either. Teraco wagered (rightfully) that a giant party dedicated to showcasing each adopted culture's strengths would be the best way to ease relations, and thus Dujelamin was born. Since then, it's grown into a widely-known event that people come from all over to experience.

Execution

Dujelamin takes place over the course of a month in which there are athletic competitions, baking contests, crafting contests, dances, and a myriad of other events and competitions. Crafting contests generally occur in the first week or so, so that the crafted wares can then be auctioned off before they get too old (especially when it comes to things like baked goods). The middle of the month is devoted to merrymaking and simply milling around with other festival participants. Dances are hosted, street musicians show off their talents, plays are put on, and street vendors turn a tidy profit. This is when the streets in Teraco are busiest and the most relationships are built... and broken. Athletic competitions, from javelin throwing to gladiator fights to dueling, occur throughout the month in progressive stages until grand champions are named. Anyone may participate in these competitions, but only the most experienced make it to the end. The last day is dedicated to the grand finale: the crowning of the year's Dujelamin royalty and a masquerade ball. The Dujelamin king and queen are pulled at random from a vast pool of nominees submitted over the course of the week. Generally this means that those who are most social during the festival have a better chance of being crowned, so those who have a strong interest in the title do their best to get around as much as possible and make a good impression. After the Dujelamin royals have been announced (which occurs around mid-morning), they're whisked away by Teraco palace guards and spend their day in the palace preparing for the evening's masquerade ball. They're given the royal treatment, with custom costumes designed and fitted, their hair and makeup done, and a brief class on royal etiquette administered. They also get to feast on Teraki delicacies throughout the day and are allowed limited but significant access to the palace itself. The masquerade ball is the most highly anticipated event of the year, for many, as it provides an opportunity for peasants and nobility to mingle as equals... at least in theory. Many Dujelamin attendees spend all year designing and tailoring their masquerade costumes to perfection, and they revel in the opportunity to act—and eat—like nobility. When the sun rises the day after the masquerade, the city is tidied, Dujelamin's king and queen are turned out of the palace, and life returns to normal within a week.

Participants

Teraki citizens are the primary participants of Dujelamin, including those who identify as Algeran, Osanaran, or Rasellan but are technically under Teraki jurisdiction. In addition, Dujelamin draws an influx of visitors from Virilia, Sachara, Piradin, the Vansae lands; and members of nomadic groups such as the Ayan and Fiiyan. The Teraki government has an entire committee dedicated to Dujelamin. A member of the emperor's household—usually a younger, less favored child of the emperor—serves as the Master of Ceremonies and is responsible for kicking off events and announcing the victors of competitions. It is the Master of Ceremonies who announces Dujelamin's royalty and is responsible for them during their stay in the palace. Judges are selected each year for Dujelamin's various competitions, usually from the most skilled Teraki in each represented field. The Emperor's own head cook gains a well-earned respite to judge the edible goods in Dujelamin's cooking competitions, the commanders of each branch of the Teraki military are called upon to assess athletic competitions, etc. Additional judges are often recruited from Teraki's dependent nations, as a symbol of unity and inclusion. Algerans are involved in judging athletic competitions, Rasellans and Osanarans in judging artistic competitions, etc.